Legacy & Asset Giving
Legacy and planned gifts help Openlands protect critical natural areas, restore ecosystems, and connect people to nature across the region for generations to come.
WAYS TO GIVE
For more than 60 years, Openlands has worked to protect the lands, waters, and natural spaces that make our region healthier, more resilient, and more connected. By including Openlands in your estate plans, you can help ensure that future generations enjoy clean water, thriving habitats, vibrant tree canopy, and access to nature for years to come.
A legacy gift allows you to create a lasting impact while often providing financial and tax benefits for you and your loved ones.
Ways to Leave a Legacy
Bequests Through a Will or Trust
One of the simplest ways to support Openlands is by including a gift in your will or living trust. You may designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or particular assets.
Beneficiary Designations
You can name Openlands as a beneficiary of retirement accounts, life insurance policies, donor-advised funds, or other financial assets. Beneficiary designations are easy to update and may offer significant tax advantages.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA to Openlands through a Qualified Charitable Distribution. QCDs can help satisfy required minimum distributions while supporting conservation close to home.
Legal Name
Bequests and other forms of planned / estate gifts should be designated to: Openlands
Tax ID Number
Openlands’ Tax Identification Number is: 36-2649603
Legal Address
25 E. Washington Street
Suite 1650
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Sample Bequest Language
“I give, devise and bequeath the sum of $______ (or describe the percentage of estate or specific asset/type of property you wish to give) to Openlands, whose legal address is 25 E. Washington Street, Suite 1650, Chicago, Illinois 60602, for its unrestricted general use and purposes.”
Directing Your Gift
Unrestricted legacy gifts provide Openlands with the flexibility to address emerging conservation opportunities and the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.
If you are interested in supporting a specific program, initiative, or geographic area, we would be honored to discuss your philanthropic goals and ensure your gift reflects your intentions.
Intended Use of Gift
If you would like to designate your gift for a specific purpose, please contact our Director of Development using the form below.
Let’s Start the Conversation
We welcome the opportunity to work with you and your advisors to create a legacy that reflects your values and helps protect the natural treasures of our region for generations to come.
Donating appreciated securities is one of the most impactful and tax-efficient ways to support Openlands. By transferring stocks that have grown in value, you may avoid capital gains taxes, receive a charitable tax deduction, and make a larger gift than you might otherwise be able to contribute in cash.*
Your generosity helps protect natural landscapes, expand tree canopy, restore habitats, and connect people to nature throughout the region. You may designate your gift to a specific area of Openlands’ work or direct it to our Annual Fund, which supports our most urgent and promising conservation opportunities.
If you would like to give a stock gift to Openlands, please have your financial adviser transfer securities to:
- Brokerage: National Financial Services
- DTC Number: 0226
- Recipient Account Number: GER011541
- Reference: (Name of donor/purpose)
Please notify us by emailing development@openlands.org or sending us a letter in advance of any stock transfers so that proper acknowledgment may be made. Please include the name of the contributor, the name of the stock being transferred, and the number of shares.
Our mailing address is:
Openlands Development Office
25 East Washington Street, Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60602
*Openlands is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are deductible as allowed by law. Please speak with your financial adviser about the deductibility of your gift.
Donor Advised Funds (DAF)
DAF Direct makes it easier to support your favorite charities by giving directly from your donor-advised fund. Donate via Fidelity, Schwab, or BNY Mellon Charitable.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (IRA Giving)
If you are over age 70½, you may make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an IRA as a distribution to Openlands.
Donate or Sell your land to Openlands
Learn how to protect your land with Openlands, the Chicago region’s accredited land trust.
