SMART (AND TAX-WISE) GIVING CHOICES FOR YOUR STAGE OF LIFE

The things you care about most can shift as you journey through life. As you grow and change, you can use our road map to help you make smart choices—no matter your season of life!

In your 50s

You may be considering whether your investments and savings will carry you through retirement. Many loyal supporters like you also start to think about deepening their commitment to causes they care about, like rangeland conservation.

• Preserve your values through your will or living trust: With as little as one sentence, you can share your love for rangelands with future generations. Whether you give a set amount or a percentage of your estate, your kindness will have an extraordinary impact on the lands and people we serve.
• Set up a donor advised fund (DAF): This popular option is like a charitable savings account and may come with tax benefits. You can use it to make an immediate impact by recommending a grant to the California Rangeland Trust now, or to make future or recurring grants.

In your 60s

Does your estate plan reflect any life changes, such as retirement, an empty nest or caring for your parents? Now is a great time to review your important documents to ensure they align with your current situation and your long-term goals. Like many others, you may want to consider creating a gift that boosts your income and your investment in our mission.

• Establish a gift that pays you income: You have several options to create a steady stream of lifetime income for yourself or a loved one. What’s left of your gift will support our mission.
• Name us as a beneficiary: Your retirement plan or a life insurance policy you no longer need can easily be transformed into an impactful gift that costs you nothing today. You can contact your plan administrator to get started or complete an online form.

In your 70s

Are you looking for meaningful ways to give back? Consider volunteering your time to support your community and causes you love. You also have many financial options to choose from that help extend your dedication and your budget.

• Make a difference today with your IRA: If you are 70½ or older, you can give any amount up to $111,000 from your IRA in 2026 directly to our organization without having to pay income taxes on the money.
• Boost your income with a legacy IRA: Did you know you can establish a gift that pays you fixed income for life using a one-time distribution of up to $55,000 from your IRA? Special rules apply. Contact us to see if this option is right for you.

In your 80s, 90s and beyond

Think about how you would like to be remembered. Consider making or repeating any of the gifts mentioned to continue growing your love for conservation through the Rangeland Trust. Do what makes you happy—you’ve earned it!

• Create a legacy letter: Preserve your life story and express your eternal values through a written letter or recording that your loved ones will treasure.
• Share your plans: If you choose to carry on your values through any of these legacy gifts, would you please let us know? That way, we can take the necessary steps to ensure we fulfill your wishes. Plus, it would be our honor to thank you for your thoughtfulness.

What Is Right for You?

We are ready to help you explore which giving options best fit your personal circumstances. Please contact Shannon Foucault at (916) 444-2096 or sfoucault@rangelandtrust.org to get started!

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of printing. The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.