By Sonya Spruill, Philanthropy Manger
August is Make a Will Month, a good reminder to think about the people, places, and causes you want to support in the future.
For many Triangle Land Conservancy supporters, that includes protecting the forests, farms, streams, trails, and open spaces that make the Triangle feel like home. A will can help care for your loved ones while reflecting the values you want to carry forward.
The Places We Love
Think about a place outdoors that matters to you. Maybe it is a trail you walk often, a farm that reminds you of home, a stream you return to, or a preserve where your family spends time together.
These places become crucial pillars of our lives. Planning ahead is one way to help make sure they remain protected for future generations.
Ways to Include TLC in Your Plans
Planned giving can be simple and flexible. Some people include TLC in a will or trust. Others name TLC as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or another financial asset. Burials for conservation may also be an option for those looking for an environmentally-focused choice.
Common ways to give include:
- Wills and trusts
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance policies
- Conservation burial
Every gift, no matter the size, helps protect the land and water our region depends on.
Getting Started
If you haven't begun thinking about your estate plan, Make a Will Month is a practical time to begin.
Start with a few basic steps:
- List your assets, including retirement accounts, investments, insurance policies, and bank accounts.
- Decide who and what you want to provide for.
- Talk with organizations you may want to include.
- Work with an estate planning attorney, financial planner, or other trusted advisor.
- A clear plan can give you peace of mind and make things easier for the people you care about.
Review Your Plan Over Time
Estate plans should be revisited as life changes. A new grandchild, retirement, a move, a job change, or another milestone may be a good time to make sure your plans still match your wishes.
If TLC is already part of your estate plans, we would be grateful to know. Sharing your intentions helps us honor your wishes.
What Your Gift Can Protect
Legacy gifts allow TLC to act boldly to protect land before it is lost forever. They help make sure future generations will have places to hike, explore, farm, and enjoy.
Supporters like Cynthia and Steve Sollod, along with members of the Longview Society, have chosen to make conservation part of their lasting legacy.
If you are considering including Triangle Land Conservancy in your estate plans, let us know! To learn more about planned giving and the Longview Society, visit our Planned Giving page or contact us at advancement@triangleland.org. If TLC is already in your plans, please consider completing a Gift Intention Form.
About the Author:
Florencia Loncan
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