The Challenge of Forever
Land protection doesn’t end when a land trust buys a parcel of land or an easement. We call what happens later “stewardship”. Stewardship is caring for the land forever by maintaining trails and public access, making sure the terms of an easement are honored, removing invasive plants, and promoting a sense of place and a love of the land through education and outreach. These are forever expenses and, over time, dwarf the upfront costs of protection.
Similarly, investing in the people, systems, and partnerships that carry out BTLT’s mission is critical for the sustainability of this work. When we hire staff, initiate new programs, or expand current offerings, we do this in response to demonstrated community need. We must ensure that when we expand stewardship, programs, and community engagement, we build this capacity with long-term viability in mind.
Including Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust in your estate plans is a way to make a forever gift that will help protect places we all love and sustain a mission we all believe in. Proceeds from bequests fund our work and mission, including our endowments, which ensure BTLT’s long-term success and stability. Legacy gifts enable BTLT to become a secure, effective land trust in perpetuity, allowing us to be better equipped to monitor conservation easements and steward our lands forever.
How do I begin the Gift Planning process?
BTLT Future Gift Commitment Form
Provision in a Will or Trust with sample language
The following examples are intended only as suggestions for how you might word your will. There are numerous other gifts from your estate, such as personal property, which will be worded differently. Please consult an attorney when crafting your will:
Specific Dollar Amount:
I give to the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (EIN 22-2714194), a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maine, the sum of $______ to be used wherever the need is greatest. [OR make a specific designation for how you would like the funds to be used
Specific Real Estate:
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (EIN 22-2714194), a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maine, all of that certain piece, parcel or lot of land owned by me and situated and being in the Town of _______ and more particularly described as follows: [insert full legal description of property].
It is my wish that the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust conserve and protect this property in its natural state. I understand that at the time of my death, the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust shall inspect the property to determine whether it provides sufficient conservation value and/or whether it has any natural features or characteristics that should be protected. I understand that the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust will endeavor to provide for appropriate protection for the property or any portions of the property that contain any such natural characteristics and scenic features. I also understand that the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust may then sell the property. If at the time of my death, the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust determines that it cannot protect the property, then the Land Trust may sell the property unrestricted.
Portion of Estate:
I give to the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (EIN 22-2714194), a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maine, ______% of my estate and request that this gift be used wherever the need is greatest.[OR make a specific designation for how you would like the funds to be used]
Residual Estate (after other bequests are named):
I give to the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (EIN 22-2714194), a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maine, the rest and residue of my estate and request that this gift be used wherever the need is greatest.
Beneficiary Designation
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- Donor-Advised Funds
- Retirement Plans
- Land
- Life Insurance:
This gift option is as simple as updating your Life Insurance beneficiary designation form with the policy holder. You can designate BTLT as the primary beneficiary for a percentage or specific amount. You can also make BTLT the contingent beneficiary so that we will receive the balance of your policy only if your primary beneficiary doesn’t survive you.
Legacy Circle
BTLT created the Legacy Circle to recognize and thank individuals and families who include the Land Trust in their estate plans. These gifts, by will or other estate planning vehicle, are a cornerstone of the Land Trust’s future support. The Land Trust is deeply grateful to each member of the Legacy Circle for this very special expression of loyalty, confidence, and support. They ensure the protection of the Brunswick-Topsham area’s land and water resources will continue beyond our lifetimes.
Regardless of whether or not you choose to be listed in BTLT publications by name as a Legacy Circle member, we would appreciate your letting us know if you decide to include the Land Trust in your estate plans. This helps us keep you informed about the work of the Land Trust.
