Support Our Work

Planned Giving

Leave a Legacy of Conservation

Join the Indian River Land Trust's Lagoon Legacy Society

The places we love today exist because generations before us chose to protect them. By including the Indian River Land Trust in your estate plans, you can help ensure that the lands, waterways, and green places that define Indian River County remain protected for generations to come.

A planned gift is a powerful way to make conservation part of your lasting legacy. Whether through a gift in your will or trust, or by naming IRLT as a beneficiary of your IRA/401K retirement account, life insurance policy, or other assets, your generosity can create a lasting impact-often without changing your current financial plans.

Those who have made this commitment are recognized as members of the Lagoon Legacy Society, a special community of conservation-minded individuals and families who share a vision for a future where clean water, thriving wildlife, and treasured natural places endure.

Honoring Our Lagoon Legacy Society Members

Mr. and Mrs. William Buck**
Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dayton
Mr. James Fredlock**
George and Marlen Higgs
Joseph and Louise Huber
Sheila Marshall
Gail Anne Matthews Charitable Remainder Trust
Ted and Dawn Michael
Estate of Kenneth Milton Olson, Jr.
Mr. Richard W. Paull**
Ms. Ruth H. Pratt**
Mrs. Toni Robinson
Christopher Ryan
Ms. Marcia L. Smythe**
Donald and Meg Steiner
Mrs. Margaret L. Whittelsey**

** Denotes Deceased Member
Names listed with permission, as of August 1, 2026

Interested in Joining?

We'd love to welcome you as a member of the Lagoon Legacy Society. If you're interested in joining or you've already designated a planned gift, please let us know by completing our Lagoon Legacy Society Membership & Intent Form. This allows us to thank you for your generosity, ensure your wishes are honored, and keep you informed about the potential impact of your future gift.

Lagoon Legacy Society Membership & Intent Form

Simple Ways to Leave Your Legacy

Every protected property begins with someone who believes these places are worth saving. By joining the Lagoon Legacy Society, you become part of a lasting conservation story-one that will benefit our community, our wildlife, and future generations who will experience the beauty of Indian River County.

WAYS TO GIVE

Gift Type	Description	Conservation Benefit
Bequests	Leave certain assets to the Land Trust in your will. Sample Bequest Language: I bequeath to the Indian River Land Trust, Inc. (Tax Identification Number 65-0059649), a nonprofit organization located in Vero Beach, Florida, - The sum of __________ dollars; or - All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate; or - An amount equal to _____ percent of the net value of my estate.	Bequests enable us to plan for future conservation projects and activities. Anyone considering such a gift should consult with Land Trust staff.
Charitable IRA Rollover	Individuals who are at least 70 1/2 years old may transfer up to $100,000 from a traditional or Roth IRA to a 501(c)3 public charity. This can be a benefit if you have a highly funded IRA.	Funds assist the Land Trust with meeting immediate conservation priorities or you may direct funds for future care of the land.
Charitable Remainder Trust	Place your assets in a trust, managed by an outside trustee. The trust pays you income during your lifetime, after which the remaining assets are donated to the Indian River Land Trust.	Trust proceeds support the Indian River Land Trust and enable us to incorporate your donation into land protection endowments or other projects that may be directed by you.
Charitable Lead Trust	Annual income from a trust is paid to the Indian River Land Trust during your lifetime, after which the remaining principle is given to a non-charitable beneficiary (or beneficiaries) such as children.	Annual payments from the trust can support programs as you so direct.
Retained Life Estate	You make a gift of real estate and retain the right to live on the property for life or a set number of years.	Allows Land Trust and donor to plan for the appropriate use of the land donation and support conservation.

Note: This information is intended as general information, not specific legal or financial advice. You should consult your financial and/or legal adviser as to which options may be most beneficial for you.