Legacy Giving - Include the MRF in your will or estate plan

Some of the most meaningful gifts to the Madison River are the ones that last beyond our lifetimes. By including the Madison River Foundation in your will or estate plan, you can protect cold, clean water, healthy habitat, and the future of this watershed for generations—while also caring for your family and loved ones first.

Legacy giving is simple, flexible, and deeply personal. You can make this commitment today, and it doesn’t have to affect your current finances.

Why a Legacy Gift Matters

A planned gift helps the Madison River Foundation:

• Strengthen long-term restoration and habitat work

• Sustain scientific monitoring that guides smart decisions

• Support education and stewardship for future generations

• Respond to emerging threats with stability and speed

Legacy gifts create a foundation we can build on—year after year.

Ways to Include MRF in Your Estate Plan

1) A gift in your will or living trust (a “bequest”)

You can leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or what remains after other gifts are made.

Common options include:

• A specific dollar amount (example: $10,000)

• A percentage (example: 5% of your estate)

• A residual gift (example: “the remainder of my estate”)

• A contingent gift (example: “if my spouse does not survive me…”)

2) Name MRF as a beneficiary

This can be one of the easiest ways to make a legacy gift—often as simple as filling out a form.

You can name MRF as a beneficiary of:

• Retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), etc.)

• Life insurance policies

• Bank or brokerage accounts (TOD/POD designations)

3) Gifts of appreciated assets

Some donors choose to give assets such as stock, real estate, or other property through their estate plan. These gifts can be impactful and may offer tax advantages depending on your situation.

Sample Bequest Language

If you’d like to include MRF in your will or trust, you can share this sample language with your attorney:

Unrestricted Gift (Most Flexible)
“I give to the Madison River Foundation, a nonprofit organization, [a specific dollar amount / a percentage of my estate / the residue of my estate], to be used for its general purposes.”

Restricted Gift (Specific Program or Purpose)
“I give to the Madison River Foundation, a nonprofit organization, [amount/percentage/residue], to be used for the following purpose: [insert purpose]. If, in the judgment of the Madison River Foundation, the purpose becomes impossible or impracticable to fulfill, the Foundation may use this gift for a purpose that most closely aligns with the original intent.”

If you’re considering a restricted gift, we encourage you to talk with us first so we can make sure your intent can be honored long-term.

Let Us Know (So We Can Say Thank You)

If you’ve already included MRF in your plans—or you’re considering it—we’d love to hear from you. There’s no obligation, and you can share as much or as little detail as you wish. Knowing helps us plan responsibly, and it gives us a chance to thank you and honor your intention.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Legacy giving can be simple, but every situation is unique. We’re happy to talk through options and help you find a path that fits your goals.

CONTACT:
Madison River Foundation
Keith Brauneis, Executive Director
‭1 (406) 285-1647
keith@madisonriverfoundation.org

A Note About Tax and Legal Advice

The Madison River Foundation can provide general information, but we encourage you to consult your attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional to determine what’s best for you.