Other ways to give

Creativity ‘R’ us!

One of the most wonderful aspects of a grass-roots organization is the variety of ideas and talents that people bring to help achieve its goals. When we think about giving to the Land Trust, most of us just think of becoming a member or volunteering our time. Both of these methods are very critical and both help advance the Land Trust’s mission. There are also many other ways to support the ongoing work of protecting forests, working farms, open space and scenic views as well as ensuring that wildlife has a home.

Here are some suggestions to get you thinking about how you can help.

Appreciated Securities

Transfer stock to the Land Trust. You get a tax donation and don’t have to pay for the full appreciated value. The Land Trust gets funds to help protect more land. Win-win.

In-Kind and Professional Services

Donate items that we have been planning to purchase or help us with a project using your specific professional expertise. Your gift helps us direct more of our unrestricted budget toward land protection and stewardship.

Spread the Word

Give a house party. Invite your friends and neighbors to your home to learn about the Land Trust and how it protects and stewards island lands. We can provide a brief presentation and answer questions. Then, encourage your friends and neighbors to join you as a member.

Write a letter to the editor or an opinion piece for the newspaper. This is a wonderful forum to share your ideas about why land protection is important – for today and for future generations. You can focus on an experience that you have had while walking on a trail or seeing wildlife or an incredible view. Every newspaper has space for people to express their opinions. Take that opportunity to tell people why YOU support the work of the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.

Planned Giving

It’s never too early to think about estate planning. That process is a perfect opportunity to reflect on how you can continue your support of land protection on Whidbey and Camano Islands. The Land Trust has established the Legacy Circle for those supporters who choose to continue their contributions through a gift in their wills, trusts, or estate plans. Your personal legacy can reach generations to come, giving them the gift of hikes in forests, breathtaking views, productive farmlands, and walks along shorelines. Your legacy can also include caring for wildlife to ensure they have homes here too.

Donate Real Estate

You can donate property that is excess to your needs, like a rental home, apartment building or vacant residential lot. We will sell the property and reinvest the proceeds in protecting and stewarding significant conservation lands.

Corporate Matching

Many companies match donations their employees make to nonprofit organizations. Often, this process is as simple as enclosing your employer’s form with your gift to the Land Trust; we complete the form and return it to your employer. Look into your employer’s policies. If they don’t have one now, you might want to make the suggestion that this is a good way to help strengthen community organizations.

Your Business Can Support the Land Trust

Designate a special day for customer gifts to the Land Trust. Choose a day and a completed project to highlight. We can provide information for you to distribute and/or make available on the counter. Perhaps you can encourage people to make a donation to help continue the work.

Match-a-tip jar. If you have a tip jar at your business, consider matching the tips that are given. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to the public benefit that comes from protected land. Be sure to let your customers know that you will be matching their tips to benefit island land protection.

Special Project Campaign

With some of our land protection projects, we often need to initiate special campaigns to raise funds needed to acquire and care for these properties. These campaigns are opportunities for creative approaches to encourage people to become involved and to build communities that care about how we protect our island home. Stay tuned!

If you have other ideas about how to help, call us. We’ll enjoy chatting with you about even more creative ways to support land protection right here at home. Contact Elizabeth at (360)222-3310 or elizabeth@wclt.org.