You can also mail a check to the TLC to the address below. Make checks payable to “Thumb Land Conservancy”. Indicate whether your donation is in memory or honor of someone or something. Make sure you provide your e-mail address so that we can send you our quarterly TLC newsletter, The Thumb Naturalist. A phone number is helpful but not necessary. The TLC does not distribute your personal information.

The TLC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed.

Land Donation

The TLC accepts donations of land, both for preservation or for resale to support our program according to the wishes of the landowner. Acceptance of any land donation is subject to a written agreement and due diligence investigations. While the TLC has not asked for an endowment fund to pay for future land costs, we do ask that the donor pay all closing costs, including all taxes and special assessments due. Unfortunately, while the TLC is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity exempt from property taxes, conservancies like the TLC are not exempt from special tax assessments for utilities, roads, and county drains. Property and income tax benefits to the land donor are highly variable depending on local taxing authorities, the donor’s tax situation, and the appraised value of the land.

Conservation Easement Donation

The TLC accepts donations of conservation easements for the purpose of protecting natural areas, and in some cases, agricultural land. Because the establishment of a conservation easement requires production of a detailed baseline assessment report and other conservation easement documents, we ask the landowner to pay a fee. In circumstances where the landowner is unable to pay, we may waive the fee. However, the landowner may need to pay other costs that are beyond our control, such as for land surveying and attorney review. The TLC tries to work with the landowner to keep all costs to a minimum. The landowner should also keep in mind, especially in those cases where they receive a significant tax benefit, that the TLC is committed to annual inspections of the easement premises and reporting in perpetuity. Property and income tax benefits to the conservation easement donor are highly variable depending on local taxing authorities, the donor’s tax situation, and the appraised value of the land.

Material and Labor Donation

The TLC is often in need of materials for preserve signs and building materials for preserve structures. Please contact us to discuss what materials or equipment you might be able to provide. We welcome the help of those with particular skills in building, crafts, and other talents.

IRA Donation

If you are age 72 or older, you can donate up to $100,000 from your IRA or 401(k) to the TLC without incurring taxable income. The gift can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD). To make an IRA gift, simply download and complete this letter and send it to your IRA administrator.

Legacy Giving

Including a gift to the TLC in your will may allow your estate to receive a charitable estate tax deduction. You can make this type of bequest by adding the following language to your will: “I give (insert dollar amount) or (insert a specific asset, such as securities, real estate, or other property) or (insert percent of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate) to TLC in Marlette, Michigan, to be used for the general purposes of the nonprofit organization.” If you would like to document your bequest intention, please download and complete this letter.