Gathering Waters Conservancy

At GWC we feel fortunate to have a strong and diverse cadre of supporters who make our work possible.  Whether it’s through one-time gifts to support a particular initiative, annual membership dues, or simply volunteer time, we recognize that every little bit makes a difference and it’s the power of the collective that drives our success.

Through a planned gift to Gathering Waters Conservancy, you can leave a legacy of peaceful forests, bountiful lakes and picturesque vistas for our children and grandchildren.   

Planned gifts are about planning for the future: your family’s future and the future of Wisconsin’s natural places.

Become a part of the Sustainers Circle

By making a legacy gift to Gathering Waters, you will be welcomed into the Sustainers Circle of our Land Legacy Society —a group of GWC benefactors dedicated to preserving Wisconsin’s special places.  As a member of the Sustainers Circle you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Exclusive invitations to donor-club appreciation events and other GWC festivities
• Recognition of support in Gathering Waters materials and donor club literature
• Opportunities for one-on-one meetings with GWC staff and board members
• A commemorative gift honoring your commitment to preserving Wisconsin’s natural resources.

In 2010, GWC and the greater conservation community were saddened to lose one of its long-time champions, Harold “Bud” Jordahl.  Bud was a founder of Gathering Waters and one of Wisconsin’s greatest environmental stewards.  Among his many legacies, Bud encouraged GWC to establish a planned giving program – the Sustainers Circle – to allow committed conservationists to make lasting contributions to the organization through their estate plans.

GWC board member Tia Nelson also joined our Sustainers Circle this year when she committed to leaving half of the equity in her home to GWC. About this decision, Tia said:

I felt it was important to make Gathering Waters a part of my estate planning, because, in doing so, I solidify my connection to Wisconsin’s environmental future. In this way, I can ensure the longevity of the conservation legacy of my father, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, who dedicated his life to protecting special natural places for this and future generations. Papa instilled in me a strong sense that individual action matters and that we each have the opportunity and obligation to do our part to protect the lands and waters that make Wisconsin such a beautiful place to live. This is my way of honoring him, and the great work of Gathering Waters.

We encourage you to discuss which giving option best fits your needs with your financial planner or estate planning attorney.  Types of gifts you may consider include:

• A bequest provision
• Charitable remainder trust
• Retirement plan or IRA beneficiary designation
• Insurance beneficiary designation
• Charitable gift annuity
• Gift or real estate or other tangible property

A special thank you to our generous Sustainers Circle members who have pledged or made planned gifts to Gathering Waters Conservancy:

• Jim Bennett
• Dana & Pat Chabot
• Dale Druckrey*
• Tim Jacobson
• Harold “Bud” Jordahl*
• Harold Kreitz
• Tia Nelson
• Michele Parker

*planned gifts made

If you have already made plans to provide for Gathering Waters Conservancy in your estate, please let us know!  We would love the opportunity to extend our sincerest thanks and welcome you to the Sustainers Circle.

To make a planned gift, here's some information to share with your financial planner or estate planning attorney:

GWC's tax ID#: 39-1805090
GWC's legal name:  Gathering Waters Conservancy, Inc.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact Mike Strigel 608-251-9131 x 14 or mike[at]gatheringwaters.org.