Planned Giving Opportunities

A charitable bequest is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to leave a gift to Southern Conservation Trust that will make a lasting impact and be an asset for future generations. 

Benefits

• You receive a federal estate/gift tax deduction.
• Leave a lasting legacy of elevating nature and supporting vital work toward our mission.

Here are Some Ways to Leave a Bequest to Southern Conservation Trust

• Include a bequest to the Southern Conservation Trust in your will or trust.
• Designate Southern Conservation Trust as a full, partial, or contingent beneficiary of your retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or pension).
• Name the Southern Conservation Trust as a life insurance policy beneficiary.

A Bequest Can be Made in Several Ways

• Percentage Bequest- make a gift of a percentage of your estate.
• Specific Bequest- make a gift of a specific area of your estate.
• Residual Bequest- make a gift from the balance of your estate.

If you have any questions about leaving a bequest to us, we would be happy to assist you in leaving your legacy. Please also discuss the benefits with your financial advisors (i.e., accountants/CPAs/attorneys). If you have been so generous as to include a bequest to Southern Conservation Trust as part of your estate plan, please take the time to let us know. We would like to recognize you and your family for your generosity. 

Maximize your philanthropic impact by leaving the gift of real estate to the Southern Conservation Trust. The proceeds from your property donation will allow the Southern Conservation Trust to continue being good stewards of nature. We accept multiple property types (land, homes, commercial) in various locations and would like to learn more about yours. 

Your real estate may be the most highly appreciated asset you own. Donating real estate to the Southern Conservation Trust could allow you to leverage one of your most valuable investments to achieve maximum impact with your charitable giving. Please also discuss the benefits with your financial advisors (i.e., accountants/CPAs/attorneys).

Benefits

• You may receive a charitable contribution deduction for your federal and state income taxes. 
• You will be elevating nature through your gift.
• You no longer have to deal with the property’s maintenance costs, property taxes, or insurance. 
• You don’t have to hassle with selling the real estate.
• You can deed the property directly to SCT or ask your attorney to add your gift to your will or trust agreement. 

Does it make sense to donate?

• The property is debt-free.
• You are willing to transfer the real estate irrevocably to the Southern Conservation Trust, which will negotiate the sale price and control the sale.

Donating stock or other securities to Southern Conservation Trust allows you to elevate nature while potentially realizing significant tax benefits. Many donors give from their retirement accounts, mutual funds, or other investment portfolios directly to Southern Conservation Trust. You may use your Required Minimum Distribution from a retirement account or as a Qualified Charitable Distribution.  Please discuss the benefits with your financial advisors (i.e., accountants/CPAs/attorneys).

Benefits

• Receive a charitable contribution income tax deduction
• Be a part of Southern Conservation Trust achieving its mission 
• Possibly use your Required Minimum Distribution or as a Qualified Charitable Distribution

Making Gifts of Securities

The Southern Conservation Trust accepts gifts of securities through electronic transfer. Gifts of securities include stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, and cryptocurrency. Please contact us for instructions on transferring your gift of securities from your brokerage or investment account to the Southern Conservation Trust. 

If you have any questions about gifts of securities, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you and answer any questions about how you can donate. We recommend you talk with your financial advisor before making a gift of securities. 

If you prefer to mail us a check, please make it out to Southern Conservation Trust and send it to:

Southern Conservation Trust

℅ Angela Goddard

305 Beauregard Boulevard

Fayetteville, GA 30214

Southern Conservation Trust, Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.