Coastal Legacy Society

When we conserve a property, it comes with the promise that it will be protected forever. The Coastal Legacy Society is a very special segment of our membership who understand the importance of supporting the future of the land trust and are willing to help us keep that promise.

With almost 50,000 acres protected to date, our staff to works diligently on caring and monitoring our existing properties while focusing on new conservation opportunities. Annual giving from our members will always be important to our work – it is critical and greatly appreciated. By including the Coastal Land Trust in your estate planning, you provide the means for the Coastal Land Trust to remain strong, successful, and always here to preserve the lands that you love at the coast.

What better way to thank the people or organizations that have had an impact on your life, than to make a gift that carries into the future? Charitable giving is not only for the wealthy! Gifts large and small are important.

Please read on to learn more, and find out how easy it is to become a member of our Coastal Legacy Society.

Gifts to the Stewardship Endowment Fund

Individuals have used many different methods to designate the Coastal Land Trust in their estate planning; what they share is a commitment to support continued conservation of coastal lands.

• Cash

  Gifts of cash are fully deductible up to 50% of your adjusted gross income; any excess maybe carried over and deducted for as many as 5 subsequent years.

• Gifts of Stock

  A gift of stock owned one year or longer generally offers two benefits: You receive an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the stock, and you avoid paying capital gains tax if the stock has appreciated in value.

• Gifts of Real Estate

  You may own a residence, vacation home, acreage or vacant lot that has no particular conservation value, but that has appreciated over the years and therefore, selling it would mean a sizeable capital gains tax. By donating such land (with the intention it will subsequently be sold by the Coastal Land Trust) you may avoid capital gains tax and may also receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the property.

• Deferred Gifts.

  Often referred to as "a painless way of giving," deferred gifts provide many donors an opportunity to make an even greater contribution to the Coastal Land Trust than they are able to do in their lifetimes. Types of deferred gifts include the following:

  • Bequests

    You may name the Coastal Land Trust in your will in any one of a number of simple ways. An outright gift of cash, either a designated dollar amount or percentage of your estate, could be specified. Gifts of securities, bonds, real estate, or other property may be specified. The Coastal Land Trust also could be named as a remainder beneficiary to receive funds only after specific sums have been paid to individuals. You can easily add the Coastal Land Trust to your will through an amendment called a codicil.

  • Life Insurance

    A tax-deductible gift of whole or universal life insurance can be made by naming the Coastal Land Trust as owner and beneficiary. You could purchase a new policy or donate a policy that you currently own but no longer need.

  • IRA, 401(k) or Pension Plan

    You can avoid both income and estate tax on the remainder left in your retirement plan if you make the Coastal Land Trust the beneficiary.

  • Charitable Gift Annuities

    You can guarantee a fixed income for your life (and your spouse's life) simply by transferring cash or appreciated securities in exchange for a charitable gift annuity. A gift annuity offers two benefits: an immediate and substantial income tax deduction and income for life.

  • Charitable Remainder Trusts

    You can fund a charitable remainder trust with cash or property and receive income from the assets for your lifetime, while qualifying for a charitable deduction, and reduce potential capital gains and estate taxes. Upon your death and/or that of a loved one, the trust assets will be distributed outright to the Coastal Land Trust.

  • Charitable Lead Trust

    You can transfer assets to a trust that makes payments to the Coastal Land Trust for a specified number of years, after which time the assets are transferred to your heirs, with little or no estate and gift taxes. This arrangement can make good sense for anyone in the top estate and gift tax brackets.

• Contact

  For more information, please contact Camilla Herlevich, phone 910/7904524 or email Contact coastallandtrust.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Coastal Legacy Society?

   The Coastal Legacy Society is comprised of those who have named the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust as beneficiary of a "deferred" gift, through their will or other part of their estate plan. The purpose of the Coastal Legacy Society is to recognize persons for their philanthropic vision, and to encourage others to follow their example. Society members may remain anonymous if they prefer.

2. How do I join the Coastal Legacy Society?

   You can join the Coastal Legacy Society by making arrangements for a deferred gift in favor of the Coastal Land Trust. If you make a deferred gift, please inform the Coastal Land Trust by calling or emailing Contact coastallandtrust.org, so we can recognize your gift.

3. Can I make a gift to the Stewardship Endowment that is not a planned gift?

   Yes. Whether it is cash, check, stocks, bonds or other assets, include a note or letter informing the Coastal Land Trust that you intend for your contribution to be used "for the purposes of Stewardship Endowment".

4. How do I arrange for a "Deferred Gift" in my will or estate plan?

   Ask a trusted advisor for assistance in completing a deferred gift. For example, your attorney may assist you with your will; your financial planner, broker or insurance agent may assist you with naming the Coastal Land Trust as beneficiary of your retirement account, IRA or insurance policy, as appropriate. (The Coastal Land Trust cannot provide legal or tax advice.)

5. How should the Coastal Land Trust be named in my will or estate plan?

   If you wish to name the Coastal Land Trust in your will or estate plan, we should be named as: "North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, a nonprofit North Carolina corporation presently located in Wilmington North Carolina, with a federal tax identification number of 56-1791849".

6. How will my deferred gift be used?

   You may leave the use of their gift to the discretion of North Carolina Coastal Land Trust's Board of Directors, or you may designate a particular use of their gift. Undesignated gifts will be used to support our Stewardship Endowment, which provides support for the monitoring and management of our properties, now and in the future, to ensure their long term protection.

7. An example of an unrestricted gift of money by will is:

   I give to the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, a North Carolina non-profit corporation presently located in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a federal tax identification number of 56-1791849, the sum of _____________ dollars (1___) OR % of my estate OR specific property (such as real estate), as an unrestricted gift for the use of such charitable organization as its governing body deems to be in the best interests of such organization and its charitable purposes.

8. An example of a restricted gift of money by will is:

   I give to the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, a North Carolina non-profit corporation presently located in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a federal tax identification number of 56-1791849, the sum of _____________ dollars (1___) OR % of my estate OR specific property (such as real estate) to be added to its Stewardship Endowment.

9. Do I need to disclose any details of my Deferred Gift or provide copies of paperwork?

   While it is not required, we do ask that you notify us of your intent to include the Coastal Land Trust in your estate. We encourage donors to discuss any special designations or gifts of real estate with us to make sure we can comply with your wishes. We are happy to keep copies of pertinent portions of your documents in our files if you desire.

10. What types of planned giving methods are typically used?

    Gifts by will, also known as bequests, are the most common method used to leave a gift to the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust. However, we also know of individuals who have made the Coastal Land Trust the beneficiary of 401(k) / IRA plans, insurance policies, established a charitable trust in favor of the Foundation, and/or used other methods. All types of gifts can qualify an individual or couple for membership in The Coastal Legacy Society.

11. Is there a minimum amount to participate?

    There is no minimum amount to be left through a deferred gift to the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust. To date, we have received such gifts or know of future gifts ranging from $15,000 to more than $15,000,000.

12. Will my gift be made public?

    If you are agreeable, yes, we will list your name as a member of The Coastal Legacy Society in our publications, including the Annual Report, newsletters, and Web site. We do so in hopes that publicizing the Society's members may encourage new inquiries and new members. However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, we will honor your request, and your name will not be made public.

13. What if my circumstances change and I decide to alter my plans?

    We request that you notify us if your plans change, so we may update our records.

14. Are there any special benefits to membership?

    Yes, Coastal Legacy Society members are invited to the Annual Meeting and other special events of the Coastal Land Trust.

15. Is there anything special about the Coastal Land Trust's Legacy program?

    There are many not-for-profit organizations and programs worthy of consideration and support. But like our national parks, forests and seashores, the land saved by the Coastal Land Trust will be here forever, and will always need to be monitored, cared for, and protected. Gifts supporting the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust will ensure our ability to meet the challenge of perpetual land stewardship.

For more information, please contact Camilla Herlevich, phone (910) 790-4524 ext. 206 or email Contact coastallandtrust.org.

Legal Language

Every family's financial situation is unique and it is important that you work with your attorney or financial advisor to find the most suitable gift arrangement for you and your family. The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust does not give tax or legal advice.

Designation

If you wish to name the Coastal Land Trust in your will or estate plan, we should be named as: North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, a nonprofit North Carolina corporation with principal business address of 131 Racine Drive, Suite 101, Wilmington NC 28403

Federal Tax Information.

Our tax identification number is 56-179-1849. The Coastal Land Trust is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a 50%-type organization under section 170(b)(1)(A).

Becoming a Charter Member of the Coastal Legacy Society

The Coastal Legacy Society recognizes those who have made a gift to ensure the future of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, either through a special gift to the Stewardship Endowment or by including the Coastal Land Trust in their will or other deferred giving plan. Individuals have used many different methods to designate the Coastal Land Trust in their estate planning; what they share is a commitment to support continued conservation of coastal lands.

Here's how to become a Charter Member of the Coastal Legacy Society – just two simple steps:

• Make a special gift to the Coastal Land Trust, informing us at the time you deliver your gift of your intent that it be used for the purposes of Stewardship Endowment. OR Arrange your estate to leave a deferred gift to Coastal Land Trust. Common ways to do this are:
  • Bequest of money, stock, or other assets through your will or trust
  • IRA/401(k) beneficiary designation
  • Life Insurance policy beneficiary designation
  • Charitable Trusts (life income arrangements) including Charitable Remainder Trust, Charitable Lead Trust or Charitable Gift Annuity
• If you choose the option of a deferred gift, you may inform the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust that you have made the necessary arrangements by returning this form. You may also choose whether to give us permission to include your name in future listings of the Coastal Legacy Society.

Note: We recommend that you discuss these options with your family and with your attorney, accountant, insurance agent or financial planner as may be appropriate. You may also contact the Coastal Land Trust office to discuss the various ways to leave your legacy.