What You Give to Nature, Nature Gives Back to You

The CHEC Charitable Giving Program has been established to supplement current Center revenues utilized to provide environmental education, recreation, research and preservation land management opportunities to the greater Charlotte Harbor area. Donations to the CHEC Charitable Giving Program will materially assist CHEC in expanding their services. Theses donations also give CHEC an "investment income buffer" during periods of decreased Grants and In-Kind revenue.

CHEC's Board of Trustees, Staff and Volunteers sincerely thank you for your consideration.

If leaving a legacy is of interest to you, take the next step.

1. Think about to whom and why you'd like to leave a gift. Maybe you or someone you know has been helped by a particular organization. Or you or someone you know is an active volunteer or believer in the mission. You might want to leave a gift in memory of a loved one or for a specific use.
2. If you need more help or you need to know more, do some investigating. If you are considering to give to CHEC, feel free to contact someone at the facility for more information.
3. Contact your professional advisor for help. Your advisor can make sure you are getting the maximum tax and legal advantages allowed for your gift.
4. If considering CHEC, please contact the administrative office to have a description of all the giving options available to you. This will be helpful when discussing your options with your professional advisor.

1. Do I have to include my wish to leave a gift to a specific organization in my will?

 

To be certain that the group receives your gift, you should state your intention in your will.  Without a will, you lose control over your belongings after death.  Your property and finances are settled according to state laws, whether or not they coincide with family wishes.

 

2. Must I have an estate in order to leave a gift?

An estate is simply a word used to describe any property, money or personal belongings that you may have at the time of your death.  Most people leave an estate when they die, even though they may not have a great deal of wealth.  Anyone can arrange to leave a charitable gift from their estate when they pass away.

 

3. How do I leave a gift for an organization that I admire?

 

You can arrange for a gift several ways, the most common being through a will.  Many people set aside a certain dollar amount.  Others leave a percentage of their estate, or any assets left over after their family has been provided for.  Some people give a charity something they won like a care or their home.  Others leave a paid-up life insurance policy or other financial investment.

 

4. Who can help me arrange for a gift?

If you have a professional you are working with like a financial planner, lawyer, accountant or insurance agent, please talk with them about leaving a gift.  If you do not have a relationship with a professional, it may be helpful to seek one out.  A professional can tell you about the tax benefits of planned gifts. You can also call CHEC for help.

 

5. How do I leave a gift in memory of a person or for a special purpose?

 

A gift is a wonderful way to recognize someone who has made a difference in your life.  You may also want to give to a specific cause like research or to a new building.  This kind of memorial gift can be arranged in your will, the same way that you would leave a personal gift from your estate.  You just need to make it clear that the gift is given in memory of a particular person or for a specific use.

 

6. Do I tell the charity I've left the gift?

 

This is up to you.  Charities often like to know in advance so they can recognize your generosity.  They can also tell you about specific opportunities for giving.  Whether you let the organization know of your plans or not, is your decision to make.