As you ponder your vision for the future, you may consider how you can make a significant difference in conserving what makes Sharon so special—its land and rural heritage. Sharon Land Trust supporters who have made planned gifts have had an extraordinary impact on our work. Thanks to early legacy gifts, we were able to become a secure, established land trust, better equipped to monitor perpetual easements. Proceeds from planned gifts fund our endowment, ensuring our long-term success and stability. There are a few ways to approach planned giving…
1. Gift of Cash, Securities and / or Land
A gift of cash, securities or land is often the easiest way to give to the Sharon Land Trust. This type of direct gift is tax-deductible and helps us to preserve the rural character of our great town. We accept outright gifts of land and conservation easements that fit with our mission.
2. Bequest by Will
This would involve naming the Sharon Land Trust as a beneficiary in your will by gifting a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate.
3. Life Insurance Policies
If you have a life insurance policy that is no longer needed to protect your family, you may consider gifting it to the Land Trust. With this option to give, you can often achieve income-tax savings.
4. Retirement Plan Assets
You may choose to name the Sharon Land Trust as a primary or contingent beneficiary of all or a portion of your accounts. There are often some tax advantages involved.
5. Charitable Trusts
A charitable trust allows your assets to provide a steady stream of payment to you, with the trust assets transferred to the Sharon Land Trust at the time specified. If you fund the trust with appreciated assets, you may avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation. This type of trust can reduce both your income tax and your estate taxes.