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Plant a Seed for the Future:
The Hunt Hill Endowment Fund

In celebration of many years of programming, the Friends of Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary (FOHHAS) launched an endowment campaign enabling supporters to “give a gift that keeps on giving.”  FOHHAS is dedicated to the long-term preservation and operation of the Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary.

Following the vision of Frances Andrews, the founders of FOHHAS began their mission to preserve the Hunt Hill Audubon property and to foster a respect for the natural world. Supported by members and friends, strengthened by volunteers, and inspired by visionary leaders, we have followed that mission through environmental education programs for schools, members and a wide public audience.

Today, Hunt Hill is a wildlife sanctuary and learning center dedicated to promoting a greater respect between people and nature through the discovery of nature.

Many people have asked how they can help us to remain strong and to ensure that this vital mission continues.  FOHHAS’ endowment will serve to ensure long-term viability and future programming.

The Endowment
An endowment is a specialized account that is monitored by the board, and restricted in its use.  The principal is left “untouched” and only the interest may be used.  It is a valuable tool towards stability and long-term growth of FOHHAS.

As FOHHAS is approaching a level of operations where an extended program season, additional personnel, facility improvements become necessary to sustain the level of service to the community and the region.

Over 3000 people a year visit and participate in educational programs.  Each program strives to develop a better understanding of the natural world and our relationship to it.  Unfortunately fees and contracts do not cover the full cost of our programs, particularly those conducted for schools.  Realistic pricing would place those programs outside the reach of the students who need them most.  Increased endowment will help underwrite our educational programs outside the reach of the students who need them most.  Increased endowment will help underwrite our educational programs and make an invaluable investment in the future.

Only a substantial Endowment Fund can provide FOHHAS with the financial resources and independence needed to accomplish our missions for education and preservation.

The seeds of financial security that we plant today will bear fruit year after year and affect the quality of life for future generations.

Types of Giving
Unrestricted gifts help to meet FOHHAS’ greatest needs and offer the most flexibility.  No matter what its size, income from a planned gift can benefit the education and preservation work of FOHHAS.  Donors usually request that the income from the gift be used wherever the need is greatest.  As with other types of gifts, an unrestricted endowment donation may be made in honor or memory of an individual.

Current Giving Opportunities

Bequests
May be in the form of a specific dollar amount, a percentage of the estate, the residue of the estate, or may establish a Trust which provides for heirs and then for FOHHAS.

Example
A longstanding member and volunteer had participated in numerous educational programs of The Friends of Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary and wanted to make sure that her grandchildren and other young people would be able to have the same educational experiences she had enjoyed through the years.  After contacting her lawyer, she added a simple codicil to her will that bequeathed a percentage of her estate to FOHHAS.  The value of her bequest is deductible in determining the taxable estate, and there is no limit on the amount of the deduction for estate tax purposes.

Important Steps to Follow

  1. Make sure that your donation specifies the FOHHAS endowment fund.
  2. Be sure that your Will is up to date and expresses your current wishes and present situation.  Significant tax savings may accrue from careful planning.  It is most important to discuss your plans with your tax advisor.
  3. If you have included FOHHAS in your estate plans, please let us know so that we may express our gratitude and involve you in our planning and decisions.
  4. If you have any questions or comments, please call (715) 635-6543 or write Storme Nelson, Executive Director, Friends of Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, N2384 Hunt Hill Rd, Sarona WI 54870.

Please make checks payable to The Friends of Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary Inc., and specify Endowment Fund.

The Friends of Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary
N2384 Hunt Hill Rd
Sarona, WI 54870
(715) 635-6543