Ordinary people show extraordinary generosity by leaving legacy gifts to charity in their wills and estate plans. These stories show that kindness is demonstrated by people from all walks of life – with different income levels, professions, and passions.

Because of their indelible love of life and concern for others, their memories will live on, and their gifts will remind us all that we, too, can make a difference in the lives that follow.

Consider making a legacy donation to Great Lakes United today and consider what your gift could do for the 40 million people supported by this ecosystem. Contact Bonnie Danni at 716-886-0142 and find out how your generosity can make a true difference for the future of the Great Lakes.

You can also make an immediate donation online.

Bequests

A bequest may be a specific sum of money or a specific property, such as real estate or securities. An increasing number of donors are directing a portion of their estate to environmental groups, as an investment in the future. Donors may direct the gift to an area of choice through the appropriate wording in the will. We will work with you and your advisers to make sure your requests are honored.

Gifts of Cash
Cash contributions are the most common type of donation made to Great Lakes United. Cash gifts can be made at any time during a donor’s life or through a bequest in a donor's will. If you would like more information on making a current gift, please contact us and we would be pleased to assist you. You can also donate online.

A cash gift can be directed to your area of choice, such as a particular project or a specific field of interest such as invasive species. You can allow us to direct to where the need is greatest.

Gifts through Life Insurance
Life insurance offers an attractive way for donors to make a substantial donation at relatively little cost. There are many types of policies and we suggest that donors approach an insurance agent of their choice to discuss the alternatives, or, we can arrange to obtain the information. A small investment in premiums can lead to a large contribution to the Canada Aviation Museum. Insurance proceeds can be paid directly to the Museum and therefore are not a part of your estate. The use of insurance also leaves your estate intact for your beneficiaries.

Gifts of Insured Annuities
This is a unique financial plan that maintains or enhances a donor’s after-tax income while substantially benefiting Great Lakes United. It combines an annuity that pays you a guaranteed monthly income for the rest of your life, with an insurance contract that maintains your original investment. Receipts for income tax purposes are issued for the insurance premiums and Great Lakes United receives the face value of the policy on the donor’s death.

Charitable Remainder Trust
A Charitable Remainder Trust is any trust, inter vivos (a trust established while you are alive) or testamentary (established from your estate once you have passed away), where all, or a portion, of the remaining trust assets are distributed to a charity at the termination of the trust. The income from the trust guarantees an income to the donor or designated beneficiary for an agreed period, with the principal sum passing to Great Lakes United when the trust is completed. There is an added benefit of an immediate receipt for income taxes that may be used to cover any capital gains tax resulting from the creation of the trust, which may also offset the tax on other income.

We look forward to discussing any of the above options with you and your financial adviser, and would like to thank you for considering this kind of unique gift for the Great Lakes. If you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Danni at 716-886-0142.