WAYS TO GIVE
Your gift protects the forests and open spaces of the black bears, fishers, and foxes. It protects the rich farmlands that are the heart of the region’s healthy food source, and home to the cattle, sheep and farm animals, as well as the swallowtails, honey bees, and purple finches. You conserve the waterways where the brook trout and box turtles live. And you ensure clean drinking water, and the trails to hike, ski and have fun while preserving the Valley’s beautiful vistas.
This work cannot be done without you.
Your gift and support makes it possible to do this work now and tomorrow.
Where does your money go?
Your support can be designated to one, two, or all three of the priorities below, or to where it’s needed most.
Land Action Fund (LAF)
The Land Action Fund supports the purchase of new properties. While some properties are donated for conservation, there are times we find a property that is only available if it is purchased. Sometimes we have enough time to plan and prepare to raise the necessary funds, and other times we must act quickly if we are to save the property. This fund supports the purchase of land, the responsibilities for purchasing such as surveying, appraisal, title and insurance, environmental assessments and documentation, legal fees, and more.
Land Stewardship Fund (LSF)
The work of conservation does not end with purchasing the property, but continues with the annual upkeep needed to preserve the land forever. Staff and volunteers regularly monitor every USVLT property, creating work plans, replacing worn kiosks, improving trails, providing educational and orientation signage, and addressing challenges like invasive plant species. This fund supports the ongoing care and maintenance of all USVLT properties.
Mission Support Fund (MSF)
Preserving the land also takes dedicated people and resources to keep the operations going. Your support of our mission helps us maintain the operations of the organization that makes it possible to acquire and maintain the lands. Providing educational programs, communicating about the land, paying our bills, and fundraising all are important pieces to keeping our doors open and the mission alive.
How can you give?
Individual Gift
Your generous gift conserves the places you love in the Upper Saco River Valley. You can make a gift online or by check.
Make a Gift Online
To mail a donation, please make checks payable to Upper Saco Valley Land Trust and send them to:
Upper Saco Valley Land Trust
P.O. Box 2233
Conway, NH 03818
Monthly Gift (Sustaining Stewards)
Increase your annual giving by creating a recurring monthly gift. It’s easy to become a Sustaining Steward online. Simply select the monthly giving tab and choose “Where it’s needed most” from the drop-down menu. Your credit card will be charged monthly. You can also stop or change the amounts you give at any time.
Become a Sustaining Steward online.
Memorial or Dedicated Gift
Is there someone or something special you want to honor for generations to come? Your gift may be designated in honor or memory of that special person or thing.
When you make a memorial or dedicated gift honoring someone, something, or a special occasion, we will send a personalized card to their family or the person you are honoring, letting them know of your contribution (we will not share the donation amount). We will also send you a personalized thank you acknowledging your gift. Reach out to info@usvlt.org for more information.
Planned Giving
You can protect the Upper Saco Valley by leaving a legacy beyond your lifetime. You can gift through bequests, annuities, life insurance, and real estate to meet your personal, financial, and philanthropic goals.
We encourage you to consult with your attorney and tax/financial advisor when considering any legacy options to make sure it is right for you.
Gifts of Stock
A gift of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is a great way to help avoid capital gains taxes, and, if you itemize deductions, receive an income tax deduction, while supporting the conservation of the Valley.
How do donate stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
IRA & Retirement Plan Gifts
If you are between 59.5 and 70.5 you can contribute money to charity from your retirement funds (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), and comparable plans). The money you withdraw will be added to your taxable income, but you will receive a charitable deduction for the same amount.
If you are 70.5 or older and have a traditional IRA, you can make a donation up to $100,000 without counting it as taxable income. This is known as a Qualified Charitable Donation, satisfying IRA-required minimum distributions for the year.
How to make an IRA or Retirement Plan Gift
Donor Advised Fund
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are investment accounts set up for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations.
How to make a Donor Advised Fund gift
Gifts of Real Estate
You can donate land, homes, business and other real estate and property for conservation or as a gift for USVLT to sell and apply the funds for conservation.
Contact us to discuss property you think might be worthy of conservation. Or perhaps it’s property that doesn’t meet the conservation standards, but you would like to enjoy the tax benefits of donating the land to conserve other properties. If you are not sure, let us know and we can discuss the options.
Donate your Vehicle
Do you want to find a good use for that car, truck, motorcycle, RV, trailer, camper, boat or other vehicle you no longer need? We can help pick it up and put it to use by selling it to help preserve the land.
Become a Business Partner
When you invest in USVLT, you are protecting the forests, mountains and hills, farms, rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, and the wildlife that makes the Valley so special and helps draw people to your business. In becoming a Business Partner you can raise your business profile.
Join us through one or two, or all three support opportunities: Annual Support, Sponsorship, and Contribute to Place which offers your guests and patrons the opportunity to make a small donation to USVLT at your business.
How to become a Business Partner
Share your Time and Talent
Your time, energy, and expertise are essential to care for the trails, remove invasive species, help raise funds, or assist with programs and events. There are many ways to get involved. If you are interested in becoming a USVLT volunteer, email us at info@usvlt.org, or call us at 603-662-0008.