LEAVE A LEGACY OF CONSERVATION
A planned gift is a meaningful way to support the Land Trust’s promise of protecting land forever, while aligning your personal, financial, and family goals. By joining the Legacy Society, you leave a lasting legacy that reflects the values we share.
PLANNED GIFTS CAN TAKE MANY FORMS
The Land Trust can be remembered in wills through cash or property bequests. This is one of the simplest and most common ways to make a future gift. You can make a bequest to the Land Trust by leaving:
- a dollar amount or percentage of your estate;
- a specific asset such as a home or collectible items; or
- a remainder of your estate after all other beneficiaries have received their inheritance
Another simple, tax-wise option is to name the Land Trust as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account.
By donating appreciated assets, such as stocks, bonds, and securities, you can avoid capital gains taxes on the appreciations, receive a tax deduction for the full value of the gift, and support the Land Trust at a lower cost to you. Please talk with your financial advisor to confirm the full deductibility of your donation.
Legislation passed in December 2015, allows individuals 70 1/2 years and older to make distributions of up to $100,000 per person, per year directly from an IRA to a qualified charity, such as the Land Trust. Gifts such as this count as required distributions, are not taxed, and can be deducted against taxes and other income sources. Donating this way may decrease your income and as a result, lower your tax liability – a significant financial benefit for you and your family.
If you have interest in exploring planned giving mechanisms such as reserve life estate, annuities, and charitable remainder trusts, please contact us.
Why We Give: Ken & Mary’s Story
For over 30 years, Ken and Mary have supported the Land Trust’s mission to protect special places in Santa Barbara County. Their journey began in 1993 when new father Ken was inspired by a lunch with then-Director David Anderson to help preserve land for future generations.
Ken and Mary’s Legacy: 32 Years of Commitment to Land Conservation
For over 30 years, Ken and Mary have been passionate supporters of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. Their journey began in 1993 when Ken was invited to lunch by David Anderson, the then-Director of the Land Trust. Newly a father, Ken was inspired by the organization’s mission to preserve important lands for future generations. Together, Ken and Mary committed to ensuring that these lands would be protected for their family and the community.
“We wanted to be part of an organization that could permanently protect land,” Ken shares. “When I became a dad, it became personal. We wanted these lands saved for our daughter and future generations.”
Ken joined the Land Trust Board during its early days when it was a small, volunteer-run organization with just one staff member. Over the years, Ken and Mary have witnessed the Land Trust’s growth, now protecting 57,386 acres across Santa Barbara County. One of their most meaningful milestones was the acquisition of the Arroyo Hondo property, which became a public preserve in 2001.
“The most rewarding part has been reading letters from schoolchildren after visiting Arroyo Hondo,” Ken says. “Their excitement about learning from nature is truly special.”
As long-time donors, Ken and Mary’s sense of fulfillment has deepened over the years. They take great pride in knowing that their contributions have helped ensure these lands will remain protected for future generations. They have seen the immeasurable benefits of preserving land for the environment, wildlife, and the community.
Looking ahead, Ken and Mary hope the Land Trust will continue expanding its efforts, especially in coastal and North County areas. They hope that the community will become more aware of the Land Trust’s work and continue to enjoy and appreciate these precious lands.
For Ken and Mary, protecting the land is about more than conservation. “Once land is lost, it’s gone forever,” Ken reflects. “It’s up to all of us to protect it—for our children and future generations.
Planning a Gift is Easy!
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to give. The right option depends on your personal and financial goals. We recommend speaking with your tax advisor or attorney, and we’re happy to help you explore the planned giving options that are right for you.
If you choose to include the Land Trust in your estate plans, please use this wording: The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, a nonprofit corporation located at 1530 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Tax ID number: 95-3797404
Already Included Us? Let Us Know
If the Land Trust is already a part of your estate plans, we’d love to thank you. Please fill out our Letter of Intent, and email a copy to vstowers [at] sblandtrust.org. If you have any questions about planned giving, please call Vanessa Stowers, Development & Communications Director, at 805-966-4520 or email at vstowers [at] sblandtrust.org.
