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Planned
Giving

Enduring support

We invite you to join Upstate Legacy Partners, a group of Upstate Forever supporters who have made a lifetime gift and/or included our organization in their estate plans.

There are many ways that you can help Upstate Forever protect special places, keep our air and water clean, and grow in a way that is both economically and environmentally prosperous.

Already included Upstate Forever in your estate plans?

Thank you for making a lasting commitment to protecting the Upstate. By letting us know about your plans, we can:

Welcome you to Upstate Legacy Partners
Ensure we understand your intentions
Thank you during your lifetime (if you choose)
Better plan for the future of conservation

Download our Estate Gift Intent Form:
PDF | Word doc

Notify Us of Your Planned Gift

Why we give

Commitment to nature

"Protecting the beauty of this area, its natural resources and wildlife, is very important to us. We have followed the work of Upstate Forever since its inception, and believe that it is an organization which will continue to protect the special places in the Upstate of South Carolina. We hope our eventual gift will play a part in this effort." – Stacey Lindsay & Terry Shager

No better legacy

“My work to nurture sustainability at Furman University naturally led me to support Upstate Forever, an organization whose commitment to protecting the region’s land, water, and communities closely reflects values I have long held. Although I have since retired and moved out of state, my connection to Upstate Forever and its mission remains strong. Through annual contributions and an estate gift, I am honored to help sustain the organization’s important work for future generations. The places we cherish today are a trust we hold for those who will follow us, and I can think of no better legacy than helping ensure that they inherit a healthier, more beautiful, and more resilient world.” – David E. Shi

For future generations

"When we moved here 20 years ago, I discovered a whole new world of mountains, lakes, gorges, marshes. I quickly knew I wanted to be a part of preserving all this for future generations. I could not think of a better use of my estate funds than in saving the local and greater South Carolina beauty and natural resources." – Rita Rao

Preserving our future

"Having spent decades helping companies evaluate land and investment opportunities, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to preserve the natural spaces that define our communities. The Upstate’s landscapes are more than scenery—they are part of our heritage, our economy, and our future. That’s why I support conservation through a planned gift: to ensure these lands remain intact for generations to come." – Mark Sweeney

Thoughtful stewardship

"We admire how Upstate Forever brings together public and private partners to chart a path for responsible growth. Thoughtful stewardship of our natural resources has been critical to our community’s success and the future of our region depends on continued work in this area." – Jo & Bob Hackl

An invaluable ally

"For decades, we've admired Upstate Forever's efforts to preserve and protect the landscapes of the region. But we were never more grateful than we were in 2025 — during our recent efforts to prevent the construction of a large hotel near our home on Paris Mountain. Upstate Forever was an invaluable ally in our resistance to unwanted, irresponsible development in this environmentally sensitive area. We're proud to include Upstate Forever in our estate plans." – Barbara and Gilbert Allen

Estate planning & lifetime gifts

Below are some of the available tools to make a lasting gift to conservation today. If any of these strategies seems right for you, please contact Morgan Martin, Director of Development, at (864) 203-1930 or mmartin@upstateforever.org.

Please note: Upstate Forever does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult with your own attorney and financial advisor in all matters relating to making gifts and planning your estate.

Charitable bequests provided in your will

One of the simplest ways to provide an enduring gift of support to Upstate Forever is through your will. By including Upstate Forever in your will, you can specify that some or all of your assets will come to us at your death. Your taxable estate will be reduced by the amount of the bequest.

Life Insurance

You may designate Upstate Forever as the owner of a paid-up life insurance policy or take out a new policy. You will receive an income tax deduction on the cash value of the policy as well as the annual premiums.

Gifts of appreciated property

You can make gifts of appreciated stock or other property. You are entitled to an income tax deduction for the full appreciated value, while avoiding income and estate taxes on the appreciation.

Retirement Plan

You can name Upstate Forever as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other eligible retirement plan. Traditional retirement accounts may be subject to income taxes when inherited by individuals, while charitable beneficiaries generally receive their distributions without federal income tax. Naming Upstate Forever as a beneficiary may help you maximize the charitable impact of these assets while preserving other assets for your loved ones.

Are you age 70½ or older and have an IRA? Consider a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). A QCD allows eligible individuals to transfer funds directly from an IRA to a qualified charitable organization such as Upstate Forever, generally without including the distribution in taxable income. A qualifying gift may also count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year. Unlike a charitable donation made with funds you've already withdrawn, a QCD can offer valuable tax advantages whether or not you itemize deductions. Contact your IRA custodian to learn how to arrange a direct charitable transfer. Consult your tax or financial advisor to determine whether a QCD is appropriate for your circumstances.

Remainder interest in property

You can donate your residence or other property (vacation residence, farm, etc.) to Upstate Forever subject to your right to continue using and enjoying the property during your lifetime. You are entitled to an immediate income tax deduction for this donation, and the property will not be subject to estate taxes at your death.

Charitable Lead Trust

A Charitable Lead Trust works the same way as a Charitable Remainder Trust, with one major difference: Upstate Forever receives the income payments during your life and at your death the assets of the trust revert to your estate or to persons you name.

Become an Upstate Legacy Partner

Help safeguard the natural world for years to come by including Upstate Forever in your estate plans. For more information, contact Morgan Martin, Director of Development, at (864) 203-1930 or mmartin@upstateforever.org.

Planned
Giving

Enduring support