Donor Stories

"It's an organization where you know the money you invest is going to be used wisely." ~ Sally and Craig Falkenhagen
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"In regard to my planned gift, I believe Sustainable Conservation will do things that are going to have a long-term impact and provide win-win solutions. I trust the organization will be doing the right things at the right moment." ~ Sue Rikalo
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Learn from donors giving to like organizations about how they are using a variety of planned giving instruments to realize their philanthropic goals.

Bequests
Bequests
Joe and Anna believe in furthering the mission of their favorite charities.
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Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift
Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift
Joanne and her late husband, Hal, had been loyal supporters of a charity. Recently, Joanne's children encouraged...
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Fixed Income for Retirement
Fixed Income for Retirement
After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small town, Patricia is ready to retire.
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Tax-Free Sale
Tax-Free Sale
Howard and Lynn were both age 55 when they purchased some vacant land a few miles outside of town. They thought real estate would be a good investment that could be sold later for a profit.
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Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities and built a sizable portfolio.
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Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Peace of Mind Gift Annuity
Many years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was very pleased with her home, she bought stock in the company that built the home.
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Endowment Gift
Endowment Gift
Pat and Shelly were recently married. They both had been dedicated volunteers at their favorite charity for many years.
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Sale and Unitrust
Sale and Unitrust
Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. The company has done well.
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The Retirement Unitrust
The Retirement Unitrust
Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she and her husband Bill inherited the farm.
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Property Turns Into Income
Property Turns Into Income
Miranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their three children. After her spouse passed away, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her property.
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Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity
Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity
Luis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially in value.
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Part Gift and Part Sale
Part Gift and Part Sale
Susan and Kevin bought a vacant lot along Lake Michigan many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their family could spend their summers along the lake.
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Current Gifts
Current Gifts
As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jen and Rachel focus their attention on gift giving.
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Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)
Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)
Keith has been a faithful supporter of Sustainable Conservation and makes regular gifts to support our work.
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Transferable on Death (TOD) Gifts
Transferable on Death (TOD) Gifts
Harold and Jeanne married after meeting at an event Sustainable Conservation held for our donors. They wanted to leave a legacy gift...
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A Bequest to Further Good Work
A Bequest to Further Good Work
Nancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.
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Deferred Gift Annuity
Deferred Gift Annuity
Several years ago, Larry and Alan invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock.
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What Will You Do with Your Unspent Retirement Savings?
What Will You Do with Your Unspent Retirement Savings?
Michael and Kelly were retired engineers with two adult children. They owned a home, some stocks, and IRAs.
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Gift Annuity for Real Estate
Gift Annuity for Real Estate
Jonathan purchased his home many years ago for $80,000. The home is now worth $420,000. Jonathan wants to sell his home and buy a condo for $130,000.
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A Bequest to Save Taxes
A Bequest to Save Taxes
Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work, Thomas wanted to thank us with a gift from his estate.
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Leading for the Future
Leading for the Future
Luke and Cynthia spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.
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Give it Twice Trust
Give it Twice Trust
While visiting her favorite charity's website, June came across the idea of a give it twice trust. She contacted the charity for more information.
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Providing for Our Children's Future
Providing for Our Children's Future
Ron and Kathy worked for many years building their nest egg for retirement.
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Bequest of Insurance
Bequest of Insurance
Marla and Wayne purchased a life insurance policy many years ago to create security for their children's future.
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Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
We have all heard the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it too." This phrase describes a situation where we want two good things at the same time when that isn't possible.
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