By Shari Kolding, National Audubon Society, Director of Planned Giving

Have you ever wondered how 100 years of conservation work is sustained in challenging times? Despite natural disasters and economic recessions, our mission is bolstered by bequests and other gifts that donors plan to leave Audubon after their lifetimes. Audubon Texas has received more than $1.3 million in these generous gifts since 2008 alone, and hundreds of loyal supporters have included us in their plans. The Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, Trinity River Audubon Center, and our 100-year Coastal Program have all been recipients of these thoughtful gifts. With this support we protect waterbirds in every bay system on the Texas Coast, work with partners and local communities to conserve the most important places for birds statewide and deliver education activities to more than 50,000 children and families annually. 

As a Texas resident and Audubon Texas’s Director of Planned Giving, I am honored to witness how these gifts transform and protect our work for future generations. It is truly inspiring. Most “planned gifts” cost little to set up, require no minimum contribution, and donors can change their mind at any time – so an easy yet impactful choice for many of our dedicated supporters.”

Want to know ways you can plan for supportive impact? Ideas include:

• List Audubon Texas as a partial beneficiary on a retirement or other managed account.
• Name Audubon Texas or one of its programs in a will or living trust.
• Make Audubon Texas a final beneficiary of a Donor Advised Fund or Certificate of Deposit.
• Establish an annuity or trust with Audubon as the final beneficiary, after you’ve received lifetime payments.

If you’d like to learn more about establishing a gift of this type – or share with us existing plan – please contact, Shari Kolding, or the  Audubon Texas office. We look forward to connecting with you!