Legacy Society
Making a charitable bequest in your will or a beneficiary designation in your taxable IRA are two of the easiest ways to leave a legacy that will support future generations to live and learn at The Ecology School at River Bend Farm. By planning ahead, your generosity will provide opportunities for learners of all ages to immerse themselves in joyful, hands-on learning, inspiring stewardship of and connection to the natural world around us. When you decide to make a planned gift to The Ecology School, you become a member of our Legacy Society.
Thank you for your consideration and support of future generations.
The Ecology School Retirement Giving
1. QCDs: Qualified Charitable Distributions
If you are 70½ or older, the QCD is often considered the "gold standard" of retired giving. It allows you to send money directly from your IRA to a charity.
2. DAFs: Donor-Advised Funds
A DAF is like a personal charitable savings account. You contribute to the fund, get an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to The Ecology School over time.
3. Appreciated Securities: Non-Cash Assets
Donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have grown in value is often better than giving cash. You avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation, and you can still deduct the full fair market value of the asset (if you itemize)!
4. Legacy Giving: Beneficiary Designations
This is the simplest way to give without affecting your current lifestyle.
Life Insurance Policies: Especially those you no longer need for family protection.
Bank Accounts (POD/TOD): "Payable on Death" or "Transfer on Death" designations.
Retirement Accounts: This is often the smartest asset to leave to charity because nonprofits don't pay the income tax that your heirs would have to pay on those funds.
5. Giving While Getting: Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs)
A CGA is a contract where you make a gift to The Ecology School, and in return, we pay you a fixed income for life. You get a partial tax deduction now and a steady check for the rest of your life. Whatever is left after you pass away stays with The Ecology School.
6. The "Standard" Giving Option
Even if you don't use complex financial vehicles, 2026 offers new perks for simple cash donations. If you take the standard deduction, you can now claim an "above-the-line" deduction of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for cash gifts to public charities.
If you decide to make a planned gift, you will need the following information:
Legal Name:
Ecology Education, Inc. DBA The Ecology School
Address:
184 Simpson Rd., Saco ME 04072
Tax ID: 01-0522241
If you have questions, would like to make a planned gift in other ways, or would like to share your intentions to make a planned gift with The Ecology School, please contact us:
aviva@theecologyschool.org | (207) 283-9951 ext. 107
Please note that The Ecology School is prohibited from giving legal or financial advice. We encourage you to consult with your own legal counsel or financial advisor before deciding whether to proceed with a gift.