Join Our Legacy Society
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
– Nelson Henderson
Since its creation, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy has dedicated its work to preserving and enhancing the quality, scenic beauty, and ecological health of the lands and waters of the Chautauqua County region.
A bequest to our organization will stay local and have a significant impact on your community. It’s an investment that you can trust – an investment in the health and quality of our waterways and habitats for generations to come!
You have chosen to support Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy because you believe in our mission. Now you have the opportunity to also leave your mark on the organization long after you’re gone.
A Gift for Future Generations
A Bequest in Your Will
The simplest way to include the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy in your planned giving is to write us into your will.
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We've recently partnered with FreeWill, an online tool that guides you through the process of creating your will or trust, for this purpose. It’s free, easy to use, accessible online, and can be completed in just 20 minutes! Go here to create a simple will to use on its own, or use it to document your wishes before finalizing your plans with an attorney.
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If you choose another means of drafting your will, the following is sample language that you can use: I give and bequeath to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, Inc. at 71 East Fairmount Avenue, PO Box 45, Lakewood, NY, 14750, _____% of my estate (or the sum of $_____, a specific piece of property, or asset) to be used as advised by the board of directors.
Ways to Leave Your Legacy
IRA, 401(k) or Life Insurance Policy
Do you have an IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or any other assets not included in your will? If so, these are called non-probate assets, and you must plan your beneficiaries for them separately. Use this free online tool from FreeWill to make your plans and designate us as a beneficiary of one or more of these assets. If you’d like to do this on your own, simply include our full name and address when filling out your beneficiaries: Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, Inc., 71 East Fairmount Avenue, PO Box 45, Lakewood, NY, 14750.
Donor-Advised Fund
If you are using a donor-advised fund for your annual giving, consider directing your fund administrator to designate the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy as the beneficiary of any remainder.
As a Contingent Beneficiary
If you have family members or friends whom you plan on leaving your assets to, consider including the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy as a contingent beneficiary. This ensures that, no matter what happens, your assets will end up protected and designated.
Let Us Know!
Have you already included a gift in your will or trust to us? We would love to thank you for your generosity! Please let us know by filling out the form found here.
“…the goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”
– Chuck Palahniuk
Ready to Start Your Legacy?
As part of our legacy program, we have established four funds with protected principals to ensure that your vision is secured. We would like to invite you to have a conversation with our giving team to discuss which fund best fits your goals and to help make your wishes a reality. To schedule a meeting, receive additional legacy giving materials, or to let us know that you’ve already included us in your estate plans, please reach out anytime to our lead gifts officer:
Whitney Gleason
716.664.2166 ext.1006
whitney@chautauquawatershed.org
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We are always happy to work with you and your representative to help you achieve your financial and philanthropic goals, however, the information provided here is not intended as legal or financial advice.