Ways to Give
bequests
Gifts through Your Will (Bequests)
Your bequest to HeartLands Conservancy is an investment in the future. It’s a declaration of your belief in the importance of protecting historic farms, habitats, and wildlife for the enjoyment and benefit of generations to come. It’s a statement of your values, your priorities, and your enduring commitment to making the world a better place, one act of generosity at a time.
Making the decision to leave a bequest to HeartLands Conservancy is a deeply personal and profoundly impactful choice. It’s a testament to your commitment to preserving the natural beauty, ecological diversity, and heritage of southern Illinois for future generations. Learn more about making Gifts by Will (PDF) »
Thanks to the generosity of three caring couples, your decision to include HeartLands Conservancy in your will or as a beneficiary will make a real difference — now and in the future.
When you let us know, a $1,000 gift will be made in your honor to support conservation of prairies, forests, wetlands, and farms across southern Illinois. Your future legacy will help care for the land today. Learn more and fill out the form »
Financial Benefits of Bequest Giving
Through a bequest, your generosity supports our mission for years to come. You may secure a charitable estate-tax deduction for the value of the gift.
Bequests may be written as a percentage, residual, or specific monetary amount. Bequests allow you to financially provide for your loved ones while also assuring that the important work you supported within your life continues uninterrupted.
Additional benefits include:
- A charitable bequest may place your estate in a lower tax bracket.
- Charitable gifts made through your will are 100% deductible for estate tax purposes.
We advise you to obtain the assistance of an attorney when making or revising your will. If you have questions about this material or require additional information about making a provision in your will to benefit HeartLands Conservancy, our staff are pleased to work with you and your advisors.
Learn More
To explore how you can leave a bequest to HeartLands Conservancy and shape your legacy of conservation and stewardship, please contact Mary Vandevord at ma**@*******************cy.org or call her (618) 566-4451 ex. 20.
Sample Bequest Language:
I bequeath the sum of $ [or alternately, percent (or the entire value) of the residuary of my estate] to HeartLands Conservancy, an Illinois nonprofit corporation having its principal place of business in Belleville, Illinois, to be used or disposed of as HeartLands Conservancy in its sole discretion deems appropriate.
Sample Bequest of Real Estate Language:
“I devise all of my right, title, and interest in and to real estate located at (give address and describe property) to HeartLands Conservancy, an Illinois nonprofit corporation having a principal place of business in Belleville, Illinois, to be used or disposed of as HeartLands Conservancy in its sole discretion deems appropriate.”
Restricted Use Bequests Language:
If the gift to HeartLands Conservancy is for a purpose other than HeartLands Conservancy’s unrestricted use, insert the restriction in place of the words “to be used or disposed of as HeartLands Conservancy in its sole discretion deems appropriate.” For example: “I bequeath the sum of $ to HeartLands Conservancy, an Illinois non-profit corporation having a principal place of business in Belleville, Illinois for the following use: .”
In the event of a gift subject to a restriction, we would appreciate your consulting with us to determine if the restriction is appropriate for HeartLands Conservancy. We also suggest including one of the following provisions:
- “However, I impose no legal or equitable obligation in this regard.”
- “If in the judgment of HeartLands Conservancy it becomes, or is likely to become, impossible or impractical to accomplish the purposes of this gift, the income or principal, or both, may be used for such related purposes and in such manner as determined by HeartLands Conservancy.”
Legal Name:
HeartLands Conservancy
Tax I.D. Number: 37-1273869
Explore Other Planned Giving Options
Legacy Circle
Individuals who wish to disclose a future gift through a will or other method will become members of the Legacy Circle. By knowing about your gift in advance, the Conservancy can work with you during your lifetime to understand your wishes for your legacy.