The Qs & As of Planned Giving
With Development Manager Han Meadway and Board Member & Financial Advisor Barbara Griffin
If you are interested in leaving a legacy of healthy, protected land, then a planned gift to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) might be right for you. Including the Land Conservancy in your estate plans is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference for nature nearby. But where do you start? LCWM Development Manager Han Meadway and Board Member Barbara Griffin are here to answer some of your most common questions.
Q: What is a planned gift?
Han: A planned gift is a way to support the Land Conservancy in the future through arrangements you make today. Planned giving allows you to create a lasting legacy, continue to meet your current income needs, and take advantage of current tax incentives.
What are examples of planned gifts?
Han: Planned gifts can take a number of different forms including bequests, beneficiary designations, trusts, and gifts of real property. You can learn about these different opportunities on our website, or join us at our educational event, “Deep Roots, Lasting Impact: Planned Giving for Conservation” on May 1. Details are on the right, under “Upcoming Events.”
Why is planned giving an impactful way to support LCWM?
Barbara: Planned giving allows for more substantial gifts because they usually reduce taxes and are often made with assets that would get unfavorable tax treatment. With the change in the tax and estate laws in the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022, some assets aren’t as attractive to leave to your family and those assets may be good choices to donate to charity.
Why might a planned gift be a good choice for me?
Barbara: Planned giving may allow you to make a difference in your community, create a legacy, and serve as an example to future generations while also benefiting from certain tax benefits that will reduce your tax liability. Working with your team of advisors—your estate attorney, tax professional, and financial advisor, you can set up a plan that benefits the charities that support your values for your community.
What is the Circle of Oaks?
Han: Common throughout West Michigan, the oak tree is one of the enduring symbols of strength, stability, and timelessness. It is the perfect symbol of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s Legacy Society. Our Circle of Oaks is a group of dedicated people who have made the choice to include LCWM in their estate plans and sustain our work for future generations. In addition to being a point of pride, Circle of Oaks members enjoy opportunities to build community around a shared commitment to the permanent conservation of West Michigan’s ecologically critical land.
What if I still have questions?
Barbara: If you are interested in learning even more about planned giving and the Land Conservancy’s Circle of Oaks, visit naturenearby.org/planned-giving. We hope you will also consider joining us on May 1 for “Deep Roots, Lasting Impact: Planned Giving for Conservation.” Learn more and sign up to attend on our website at naturenearby.org/events.
There are many ways to gift to charity, both during your lifetime and at your death. We suggest that you consult with your attorney, tax advisor, and financial advisor to decide which way to give works best for you and your family.
This story was part of our Spring 2025 Newsletter. You can read the newsletter in its entirety here.
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