Join the
Legacy Giving Circle
Leave a legacy of conservation for future generations
Lanford Fund Bequest Challenge
Give for today and for tomorrow
Thanks to the generosity of RPA member Bill Lanford, the Lanford Fund Bequest Challenge allows members to make bequest commitments for the future and, in return, provide much-needed funds for conservation today. You can join the Legacy Giving Circle and participate in the Lanford Fund Bequest Challenge at the same time.
How It Works
For the first 30 members who tell us about their planned gift to the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, RPA member Bill Lanford will donate $1,000 in your honor to RPA through the Lanford Fund. With people who care like you do, we can raise $30,000 through this exciting Challenge.
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"The purpose of this Bequest challenge is to preserve forestland forever. That’s what it’s all about, and it isn't going to happen without all of us working together."
– Bill Lanford
What is the Legacy Giving Circle?
​The Legacy Giving Circle honors those who have made planned gifts to RPA, including bequests and naming RPA as a beneficiary. These gifts are a legacy that will help protect land and water resources in your community for years to come.
How Do I Join?
Don't have a will? Make one online today for free!
Step 1. Contact your attorney to add a bequest to your will or living trust (sample language provided below) or add RPA as a beneficiary for a financial account, such as a retirement account or life insurance policy.
Step 2. Let us know you have made a planned gift by filling out this form. You can also contact us directly or reach out by phone, email, or mail to RPA's Executive Director, Jim Bonesteel:
Jim Bonesteel
518-712-9211
PO Box 790, Averill Park NY 12018
Happening Now!
For the first 30 members who join the Legacy Giving Circle, your planned gift can start supporting local conservation right away, through the
Lanford Fund Bequest Challenge.
Sample Bequests
To make a bequest, consult your attorney to add the following proposed language to your will or living trust:
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General Bequest
I give, devise and bequeath to The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Inc, 27 Lake Ave., Averill Park, New York 12018, $__________________ for its general purposes ( or list specific property or assets or a percentage of the total estate).
Residuary Bequest
I give, devise and bequeath to The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Inc, 27 Lake Ave., Averill Park, New York 12018, all of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate for its general purposes.
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Contingent Bequest
In the event any of my beneficiaries predeceases me or disclaims any interest in________________ (describe asset or portion of estate) I give such property to The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Inc, 27 Lake Ave., Averill Park, New York 12018 for its general purposes.
All information will be kept confidential. This information should not be construed as tax or legal advice. We suggest you seek advice based on your own situation and can provide contact information for an independent tax advisor should you need one.