“A charitable bequest to the Vermont Land Trust is a vote of confidence in its future stewardship of the spectacular landscapes around us.”
“I’ve worked hard to keep my farmland viable for people and wildlife. My bequest to Vermont Land Trust helps protect that continuity, and the natural beauty of our state, forever.”Only if you wish to have a say in how your estate — everything you’ve accumulated during your lifetime — is distributed. Without a will your estate will go to Probate Court and a judge will determine who receives your assets.
Charitable bequests can cost nothing during your lifetime, but their impact lasts forever.
Plant a seed for Vermont’s future
Donors who make a bequest to Vermont Land Trust help us plan for the future. We call these supporters “Vermont Visionaries,” because bequests enable us to expand our impact and invest in new innovations in an increasingly complex world.
Setting up a charitable bequest in your will or trust is relatively simple. But if you aren’t ready to take this step, our Vermont Visionaries also include supporters who make a bequest to Vermont Land Trust by naming us as a beneficiary on one of your financial accounts, such as a retirement plan, life insurance policy, and bank account. This type of bequest can be set up online or over the phone, without the need to contact a lawyer.
Contact us to get startedBe a Vermont Visionary
Making a bequest to Vermont Land Trust is a powerful way to express your commitment to Vermont’s natural landscapes. Notifying us of the amount of your bequest allows us to forecast future growth, providing financial stability to carry us through times of economic uncertainty.
This year, a generous donor has agreed to match each bequest we receive—regardless of size or type—with a donation of $1,500, plus an additional $1,000 if you share the amount of your bequest. Don’t miss your chance to amplify your impact now and long into the future.
Looking for guidance?
We understand that there are important decisions to be made in considering a bequest gift to Vermont Land Trust. Our Director of Donor Relations, Christa Kemp, is here to guide you through the process.
Christa joined VLT in 2011, after working in Burlington as an investment advisor and retirement planner. She brings 30 years of experience working or volunteering on behalf of land and wildlife conservation and especially loves connecting with people about VLT’s work and our impact on farming, forestry, climate, and recreation. When not on the phone or on the road, she is horseback riding, running, or skiing.
Contact ChristaJoin others who have made bequests
“A charitable bequest to the Vermont Land Trust is a vote of confidence in its future stewardship of the spectacular landscapes around us.”
Rick Fritz of Cornwall has been donating to VLT every year for over two decades; he has also named VLT in his will.
“I’ve worked hard to keep my farmland viable for people and wildlife. My bequest to Vermont Land Trust helps protect that continuity, and the natural beauty of our state, forever.”
Ruth Rubin of North Danville has bequeathed 100 acres of farmland to Vermont Land Trust in her will.
How it works
Becoming a Vermont Visionary is relatively simple and costs nothing during your lifetime:
- Create or update your will, trust, or financial account (for example, a retirement plan, life insurance policy, or bank account) to include Vermont Land Trust as a beneficiary. You can specify a set dollar amount or a percentage of the balance of your estate, after debts and expenses. If needed, we can provide you the appropriate language to include.
- Tell us about your gift! Although this step is not required, we deeply appreciate learning what inspired your gift and how you’d like to see it used. (As noted above, this step also unlocks an additional $1,000 match to boost your gift’s impact.)
