Planned Giving – Creating Your voyageurs legacy

You can help to ensure a vibrant future for Voyageurs.

VOYA_Volunteer_Rendezvous_9_11_2015 (31).JPG

Planned gifts are a creative way to support the Voyageurs Conservancy that, through careful financial and estate planning, benefit you, your loved ones and Voyageurs. These gifts offer ways to make a lasting gift while planning your financial security, and may provide special tax advantages for you. Above all, you will have the satisfaction of helping to sustain the natural treasure that is Voyageurs National Park.

If you already have a planned gift for the Conservancy in place, please inform us so we may thank you and include you in our Voyageurs Legacy Society. You also may complete this Letter of Intent form and return it to Voyageurs Conservancy, 144 Glenwood Ave, Suite 120, Minneapolis, MN 55405. The Federal Tax Identification Number for the Voyageurs Conservancy is 41-6049473.

Voyageurs Legacy Society

The Voyageurs Legacy Society recognizes those who have provided for the Conservancy through their estate planning.

Ways of Giving

Planned gifts can be made through a bequest in your will, a living trust agreement, life insurance, retirement plan or real estate and other property.


Charitable Bequests

By designating the Voyageurs Conservancy as a beneficiary in your will, you can leave a lasting legacy for the park and receive acknowledgement for it today through membership in the Voyageurs Legacy Society.

Charitable bequests may be made in the form of currency, securities, or other property, and may be a specific dollar amount or a percentage of a donor’s entire estate. 

Sample Bequest
“I hereby give $____ (or a percentage of my estate) to the Voyageurs Conservancy, a Minnesota non-profit corporation.”

Click here for a printable version of will bequest language to take to your attorney.


Retirement Plans and IRAs

There's a simple way to avoid income tax and potential estate tax on your retirement plan, while making a significant gift to the Conservancy.

  • Name the Voyageurs Conservancy as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan.

  • Pass the balance of your retirement assets to the Voyageurs Conservancy by contacting your plan administrator.

  • Notify the Voyageurs Conservancy about your gift. Your plan administrator is not obligated to notify us.

70½ or older? Make a “Tax-Free” Gift Through Your IRA

The IRA Charitable Transfer is an excellent way to make gifts and receive tax benefits in return. Consider using your IRA account to make the most of your charitable giving. Your IRA transfer can fulfill all or a portion of your required minimum distribution for this year. Consult with your financial advisor for more details on making a charitable contribution from your IRA.

  • You must be age 70½ or older at the time of gift.

  • Transfers must be made directly from a traditional IRA account by your IRA administrator to the Voyageurs Conservancy. If you have retirement assets in a 401k, 403b etc., you must first roll those funds into an IRA.


yoder.jpg

"From exploring the fascinating islands and diverse shorelines, to enjoying the constant surprises courtesy of the plant, bird and animal life, we find Voyageurs a pleasing balance of unspoiled wilderness with just the right amount of “civilization” to make for a perfect annual vacation. We feel VNPA understands that balance, and blends programs that protect nature, land, water and wildlife, while promoting accessibility to a broad spectrum of visitors and views stewardship in a holistic fashion."
- Monica Yoder, Legacy Society Member
Photo by Greg Yoder


Life Insurance Gifts

You may contribute a paid-up life insurance policy you own but no longer need, or a new policy listing the Voyageurs Conservancy as owner and beneficiary. Ongoing premium payments for policies owned by the Voyageurs Conservancy are considered tax-deductible contributions.

 

Life Income Gifts

A life income gift provides income for the donor and/or a loved one, with the remainder benefiting the Voyageurs Conservancy. Depending upon the plan, the income may be fixed or variable and can continue for one or more lifetimes, term of years, or a combination of the two. Examples of life income gifts are charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts.


There are variations on planned gifts that can be tailored for your specific financial and family situations. As you consider your giving options, we strongly encourage you to consult with your financial and legal advisors on the tax-wise advantages of various plans. The information presented here is not intended as financial and legal advice. We can assist you in creating charitable gift plans that meet your needs and clearly state your intentions. To discuss ways to remember the Voyagers Conservancy in your estate and financial planning, please contact Christina Hausman at 612-333-5424 or contact@voyageurs.org.