Planned Giving
Planned Giving
Even when we are no longer walking the earth, the land we lived on – the land we loved – will remain. Including Cardinal Land Conservancy in your estate plans allows you to choose how the land you love will exist for future generations. By including Cardinal Land Conservancy in your estate plans, you help ensure that the places you cherish—fields, forests, streams, and open spaces—remain protected and cared for, just as they are today. Your gift reflects a deep respect for the land and a belief that future generations deserve the same opportunity to experience its beauty and vitality.
When you choose to include Cardinal in your estate plans—through a future financial gift or a gift of land—you become part of the Cardinal A.C.R.E.S. Society, leaving a Legacy of Conservation, Resilience, Endurance, and Stewardship. ACRES members are invited to small, meaningful gatherings throughout the year that offer time to reflect, learn, and see firsthand how their generosity continues to shape the landscape.
This is a quiet commitment with lasting impact—one that ensures the land you love remains protected, healthy, and enduring, forever.
Planned Giving FAQs
What is planned giving?
Planned giving allows you to make a meaningful charitable gift — often after your lifetime — through your estate, retirement plan, or other long-term financial strategy. It’s a way to support the causes you care about without affecting your finances today.
What are the benefits of planned giving?
- Tax Savings: Many planned gifts provide tax advantages for you and your heirs.
- Flexibility: You can adjust your planned gift over time if your circumstances change.
- Peace of mind: Your support will help preserve the land you love far into the future.
What kinds of gifts can I make?
There are several simple and popular options:
- Bequest in your will or trust
- Beneficiary designation of your IRA, 401(k), or life insurance policy
- Gift of real estate, stocks, or mutual funds
- Charitable gift annuity or remainder trust (if applicable)
- Conservation or agricultural easements
We can help you explore the option that works best for your goals.
Do I have to be wealthy to make a planned gift?
Not at all. Planned giving is for anyone who wants to leave a lasting impact. Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated. You may choose to leave a particular percentage that corresponds with the size of your estate.
Does a planned gift cost anything now?
No. Most planned gifts (like a bequest or IRA beneficiary designation) cost you nothing during your lifetime. You can continue to use your assets as needed and make changes to your plans at any time.
Can I choose how my gift is used?
Yes. You can direct your gift to support a particular aspect of our work or allow it to be used where it’s needed most. We’re happy to discuss options with you.
How do I name Cardinal Land Conservancy in my will?
We cannot offer legal counsel on allocating any kind of legacy giving, instead, contact your attorney to legally add Cardinal Land Conservancy, Inc. to your planned will.
Should I notify you if I’ve included you in my plans?
Yes, please! We would love the chance to personally thank you and welcome you into Cardinal Land Conservancy’s own The A.C.R.E.S. Society. However, you do have the option to remain anonymous with your gift if you so choose.
Who can I talk to about this?
Contact:
Lauren Stanula
Director of Philanthropy 
513-752-2828 (office)
Lauren@cardinallandconservancy.org
Cardinal’s most recent Form 990 and other information is available upon request. Your donation to Cardinal Land Conservancy, Inc. (EiN 31-1673211) is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. An enhanced deduction or federal gross estate reduction is available for donations of conservation easements under I.R.C. 170(h) and 2031(c), respectively, for qualifying donations.
Cardinal Land Conservancy, Inc. (“Cardinal”) is an Ohio non-profit corporation and an I.R.C. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN 31-1673211). Cardinal is a nationally accredited land trust and the sixth to be accredited in Ohio. Cardinal’s charitable purpose is to protect natural areas, waterways, farm, and forested land in perpetuity. All information concerning donors or prospective donors (including their names, addresses, and telephone numbers, the names of their beneficiaries, the amount of their gift, etc.) shall be kept strictly confidential by Cardinal’s staff and volunteers unless permission is obtained from donors to release such information or disclosure is required by law. Cardinal Land Conservancy will never sell, rent, or lease our mailing list to another organization. Please consider remembering Cardinal in your Will by making an unrestricted gift to “Cardinal Land Conservancy, Inc. (EIN 31-1673211).” To discuss major gifts and legacy gifts, including gifts of land or conservation easements, please contact our Executive Director Andy Dickerson at andy@cardinallandconservancy.
