Legacy and planned giving are not just about wills, trusts, and estates. You may want to leave a lasting gift that can be put to work to help global ecosystems now and in the future.

By including Global Forest Generation (GFG) in a will, trust, or other legacy plan, donors can create a continuing impact on ecosystems and communities for generations to come.

Legacy gifts support the restoration and protection of critical forest ecosystems and the headwaters that sustain them, natural water infrastructure that helps regulate water flow, reduce erosion, strengthen climate resilience, and secure clean, reliable water sources for both people and nature. In doing so, these gifts help ensure that future generations inherit landscapes that are more resilient, biodiverse, and alive.

 

Why Give Through a Legacy Gift

In addition to creating lasting environmental impact, legacy giving may also provide financial and tax benefits, including:

Reducing your taxable estate
Lowering your income tax burden
Avoiding capital gains tax

Every gift, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference.

 


 

Ways to Give Through Legacy Planning

Bequests (Wills & Trusts)

 

Including GFG in your will or trust is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to make a legacy gift. You may designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other distributions.

Retirement Plans

 

You can name GFG as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement accounts, including:
401(k)
403(b)
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Pension plans
This can be a tax-efficient way to support charitable causes while preserving other assets for loved ones.

Life Insurance

 

Naming GFG as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy is a meaningful way to extend your impact.

 

There are two primary options:
Name GFG as a beneficiary (full, partial, or contingent)
Donate a policy outright, allowing GFG to either maintain or surrender the policy for its cash value
Donors may be eligible for tax benefits, particularly if continuing premium payments after donating the policy.

Gifts of Assets

 

A wide range of assets may be used to support GFG through legacy giving, including:

Securities
Bonds
Certificates of deposit
Bank accounts
Charitable trusts or living trusts
We encourage donors to consult with their financial advisor to determine the most effective approach.

Recognition & Stewardship

 

If you choose to include Global Forest Generation in your legacy plans, we encourage you to let us know so we can express our gratitude to you, share updates on your impact, and recognize your commitment, provided your permission. We are happy to honor all requests for anonymity.
 

Donors who include GFG in their plans may be invited to join our legacy giving community, currently referred to as The Generation Legacy Society.

Sample Bequest Language

 

“I give to Global Forest Generation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 83-1150620), located at 2300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700 #213, Arlington, VA 22201, the sum of $  or  % of my estate, to be used for its general operating expenses”

 
A legacy gift is a donation you plan now that will be made in the future, typically through your will, trust, retirement account, or other financial arrangements. It allows you to support causes you care about while planning for your loved ones.

 
No. Legacy gifts of all sizes make a meaningful impact. Many donors choose to give a small percentage of their estate, which can grow over time and create lasting change.

 
Legacy gifts support Global Forest Generation’s mission to restore and protect forest ecosystems and the headwaters that sustain them. These efforts help regulate water flow, support biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience globally.

Unless otherwise specified, gifts are directed to where they are most needed to maximize long-term impact.

 
Yes. Donors may choose to direct their gift to a specific program or area of work, such as forest restoration, water-focused initiatives, or a particular landscape. We are happy to discuss your preferences to ensure your gift aligns with your vision.

 
Yes. Legacy gifts help ensure the long-term continuity of restoration efforts, supporting communities and ecosystems for generations. These gifts allow Global Forest Generation to plan ahead and invest in lasting solutions at scale.

 
Yes. Most legacy gifts are revocable, meaning you can update or change your plans at any time as your circumstances evolve.

 
Absolutely. We respect your privacy and will honor all requests for anonymity. If you choose to share your plans with us, we will keep your information confidential unless you give permission to be recognized.

 
You are not required to notify us, but we greatly appreciate it if you do. This allows us to thank you, understand your intentions, and keep you informed about the impact of your future gift.

 
Legacy gifts may provide financial and tax benefits, such as reducing estate taxes or avoiding capital gains taxes. Because individual situations vary, we recommend consulting with your financial advisor or attorney.

 
We would be happy to speak with you confidentially about your interests and options. Please contact: Kathleen McGibbon or Anna Allen.

 
We would be happy to speak with you confidentially about your interests and options. Please contact: Kathleen McGibbon or Anna Allen.