Give Back to the Trail and
Meet Your Financial and Tax Objectives

Many A.T. members are so touched by their experiences on the Trail that they wish to give back to ensure future generations can also hike the Trail. There are a variety of simple ways to do so that can provide financial and tax benefits to you and your loved ones. 

When you notify us you have made a bequest or establish gift arrangement that pays you lifetime income, you are welcomed into the Appalachian Trail Legacy Society. As a member, you will receive benefits such as advance notice to special events, a listing in our annual report, a beautiful calendar, and occasional insider updates. Best of all you become part of a special community of benefactors who recognize the majesty and timelessness of the Trail. 

Gifts in Your Estate Plans

Bequest: You can provide for the future of the Trail by naming the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as a beneficiary of your will or trust.  By doing so, your estate may save taxes. 

Please use the Legacy Gift Request Form to contact us for information that may be helpful for your estate planning attorney -- our legal name, address, and tax identification number -- and for information that may help you update and organize your estate plans.

Beneficiary Designation in Your Retirement Plan or Life Insurance Policy: You may name ATC in your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or other retirement plan. You may also include ATC as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy.
 
Again, please contact us for information that may be helpful when completing the beneficiary designation forms. 

Gift Arrangements That Pay Income for Life 

Charitable Gift Annuity: In exchange for your gift of cash or stocks to ATC, a charitable gift annuity can make secure fixed payments to you for life, save income and capital gains taxes, and after your lifetime leave a gift to ATC. 

Gift annuity rates range from 6 percent to 11.3 percent for donors age 65 to 90. Part of your gift annuity payments is tax-free. You also may receive a sizeable income tax deduction. 

We would be happy to provide a personalized gift illustration for you with financial calculations, an explanation of how the gift works, and information on how to complete the gift. (Minimums: Age 65, $10,000)

Charitable Remainder Trust: You can donate real estate, highly appreciated stocks or cash to fund a charitable remainder trust that in return pays income for life, saves income and capital gains taxes, and also leaves a major gift for ATC. 

Again, we would be pleased to send a personalized gift illustration for you with financial calculations, an explanation of how the gift works, and information on how to complete a gift. (Minimums:  age 50, $100,000)

For more information, please call Laurie Wise, 304-535-6331, ext. 121