Include us in your will

Leave a legacy

Ever wondered how to leave behind something that is more meaningful that funeral flowers?

You can leave money or other assets in your will to charities. It’s an easy way to support the Conservancy, and it costs nothing during your lifetime. Often, people can make a much larger gift in their will than they could from their income. Plus, should you change your mind, you can update the terms of your gift at any time.

Where to start

Talk with your spouse, partner, significant other or children and start to have those hard conversations about what things look like after you are gone. What do you want the future to look like after you are gone? Who will care for your special place? Are there organizations which continue doing great work with the funds you leave behind? 

If you’re considering naming us in your will, here is some sample language you can use, whether you are having an attorney draft your will, or using an online service.

When leaving a specific gift amount:

I give, devise, and bequeath to Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Inc., a nonprofit charitable organization with an office in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the sum of $____________ (or describe any real or personal property), to be used for its general purposes.

When leaving all or a part of the balance of your estate after debts and expenses:

I give, devise, and bequeath to Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Inc., a nonprofit charitable organization with offices in La Crosse, Wisconsin, all (or ____%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, to be used for its general purposes.

Already have a plan?

We encourage you to share your plans with us if we are included in your estate plans in any way. This helps us to plan for the Conservancy’s future and answer any questions you may have.

If you’ve chosen to include the Conservancy in your future plans, please let us know today by filling out this Bequest Form so we can say "Thank you" during your lifetime. 

If your gift involves real estate or a conservation easement, it is very important for you to meet with our staff before finalizing your plans. This will help ensure that we are able to accept the gift.

Please contact Carol, our Executive Director, who can be a helpful resource as you begin planning your legacy of conservation.

Need help getting started?

Consider using Giving Docs. This free service is trusted by Mississippi Valley Conservancy and provided to you free of charge with the support of Gathering Waters - Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts.

Want to learn more?

Watch as Conservation Director Abbie Church explains how you can protect your land beyond your lifetime.

Conserving Land Beyond the Grave - with Conservation Director Abbie Church