Legacy gifts, or other planned giving options, are a great way to support the long-term viability of the Soil and Water Conservation Society at a time in your life or career when giving back becomes an important priority. 

Through your planned gift, you will help support the SWCS mission of fostering the art and science of natural resource conservation to achieve sustainability on our working lands, lands that have provided food, fiber, and fuel for generations.

To find a method of giving that may work best for you or for further discussion, please email memberservices@swcs.org or call 1-800-THE-SOIL ext.114. 

Ways to give include:

Cash or Stock Contributions

A cash contribution is a simple, immediate way to help support the Soil and Water Conservation Society. You can also honor someone special through our "In Memory Donations" or have your donation go towards "Conservation Policy Impact." Donate now.      

A donation of your appreciated stocks to SWCS can help you reduce or even avoid capital-gains taxes, while helping to support the Society's goals.

Gifts of Real Estate

The Soil and Water Conservation Society accepts gifts of real estate under certain conditions.

Bequests

By naming the Soil and Water Conservation Society in your will or trust, you can help SWCS continue to flourish for future generations passionate about natural resource conservation, while keeping your assets during your lifetime. These bequests can also be made in honor or in memory of a loved one.

Example text: "I give ________ (amount, property, percentage, or residue) to the Soil and Water Conservation Society located in Ankeny, Iowa, a tax-exempt organization to support the future of soil and water resources. (TAX ID 42-0716340)"

Beneficiary Designations 

Naming SWCS as a full or partial beneficiary on your life insurance policy, bank accounts, or retirement accounts is an easy way to make a significant and lasting gift to the Society. Changes can be made at any time and there is no fee.

All you need to do is fill out a "change of beneficiary" form (life insurance policies/retirement policies) or set up a POD "payable on death" (bank account) and designate SWCS as a beneficiary.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Make a meaningful contribution to SWCS while taking advantage of an annual income and possible tax savings with a charitable remainder trust.

Charitable Remainder Unitrust

By setting up a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, you will receive an annual income that will be a percentage of the trust assets per year.

Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust

This Charitable Remainder Trust allows you to receive an annual fixed income at a rate that is determined at the time the gift is made.

How they work:

  • Donor transfers assets to a trust
  • Donor selects the rate, term, and beneficiaries (maximum 2)
  • Fixed income or a percent is paid to the beneficiaries annually 
  • After the passing (not to exceed 20 years) of the beneficiaries or after the agreed upon time, the remainder of the trust is transferred to SWCS

Charitable Lead Trust

This type of trust is the opposite of Charitable Remainder Trusts. The trust makes payments to SWCS for the life of one or more beneficiaries or for an agreed upon time. After this time, the remainder of the trust passes on to your chosen beneficiaries. 


Thank you! Your gifts and donations will help SWCS develop new projects looking at sustainable practices, provide public education and outreach opportunities promoting these sustainable natural resource practices, develop new conservation initiatives, and more.

To find a method of giving that may work best for you or if you have further questions, please send a message to memberservices@swcs.org or call 1-800-THE-SOIL ext.114.