Many options exist for helping protect the land, wildlife, and natural beauty we all value. Beyond traditional donations, there are a variety of giving options, such as gifts of stock, IRA distributions, donations of real estate, or including MECT in your will or estate plans. Many of these options may provide tax or income benefits for you or your heirs.
Gifts of Securities, Such as Stocks and Bonds
Giving gifts of stock can have multiple tax benefits. You may be able to avoid the capital gains
tax and, if you itemize, deduct the value of the gift. Contact or call us to get details on how to
donate stock to MECT.
Gifts from a Donor Advised Fund
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is an increasingly popular financial vehicle you can create to
manage your donations. Contributions to your DAF can have immediate tax benefits, and your
assets can grow tax free. Over time, you can distribute assets from your DAF to your favorite
charities. Many of the larger brokerages offer DAFs. More specific types of DAFs exist such as
regional or mission-based funds. In addition to being gift recipients, charities can be designated
as a beneficiary.
Include MECT in Your Estate Plans
Legacy Gifts are a wonderful way to support MECT both during and beyond your lifetime. Many
gift options have tax and income benefits. Click here for examples of Legacy Gifts.
Gifts of land
Much of the land that MECT has acquired is actually the result of generous donations
from landowners. By giving land to a conservation organization, you may be able to
receive tax deductions at the federal level, and tax deductions and tax credits at the
state level. Information on the state tax implications can be found here:
Commonwealth Conservation Land Tax Credit (CLTC) | Mass.gov
You can put a Conservation Restriction (CR) on part or all of your land. MECT can be
the manager of the CR, ensuring the land adheres to the conservation goals agreed
upon. As with a gift of land, the owner may be able to receive tax deductions and credits.
Retained Life Estate
A Retained Life Estate allows you to transfer the deed of a primary or secondary home
to a charity, yet maintain full use of the residence for your lifetime. You can receive
immediate tax benefits for the donation. You are responsible for property taxes,
insurance, and maintenance during your lifetime.
Gifts of Real Estate
MECT can accept gifts of residential or business real estate, both within and outside of
Massachusetts. The assets will most likely be sold with the proceeds of the donation going to
MECT to be used as designated by the donor. If a portion of the land fits within our mission,
MECT, in accordance with the donor’s wishes, may choose to put a conservation restriction on
that portion prior to sale of the property, thereby protecting it in perpetuity.
Donating a Business
MECT can accept a donation of a business. Please reach out to our office to discuss.
Qualified Charitable Distribution
You can donate directly from your IRA if you’re 70½ or older. This donation may allow you to
avoid taxes on the withdrawal and you can also apply the gift amount towards your required
minimum distribution.
Cryptocurrency
MECT can accept cryptocurrency donations. The asset will be sold with the proceeds of the
donation going to MECT to be used as designated by the donor.
Gifts of Collectables and other Assets
MECT can accept many types of gifts. Gifts of value will most likely be sold and the assets used
by MECT as designated by the donor. Please reach out to us to discuss a gift you may have in
mind.