The National Audubon Society: Who Are We? Founded in 1905, today the National Audubon Society is one of the largest and most effective organizations dedicated to protecting our natural world. Audubon has more than one half million members in over 500 chapters throughout the United States and Latin America. We are united in our belief that all living things are interdependent, and that biological diversity and a healthy environment are essential to the well-being of all people. Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. Our goal is to influence the values of every citizen by fostering a Culture of Conservation in which everyday decisions will be influenced by a love of the natural world and a heartfelt responsibility for its stewardship.

How Will National Audubon Foster
a Culture of Conservation?

Focus on birds and other wildlife as the most visible indicators of the health of our environment, and as the best way to inspire the curiosity and passion of every citizen

Invest in state offices to encourage local communities to set their own environmental programs

Expand educational programs to promote an understanding of the link between people and ecological health

Conduct science programs which enhance our knowledge of the natural world and support effective conservation work

You can help us accomplish our goals by becoming more active in your local Audubon chapter, writing to your elected officials about environmental issues, making gifts to support Audubon's work, and by including a bequest to Audubon in your will.

Your Bequest Will Make a Difference

Lillian Annette Rowe was a New Jersey teacher who never dreamed that she would someday play an important role in protecting birds. Ms. Rowe included a modest bequest to National Audubon in her will that enabled us to purchase land along Nebraska's Platte River. The Platte River is an essential "refueling stop" for 80% of the world's population of migrating Sandhill Cranes and dozens of other species of waterfowl. This land was the initial purchase of what was to become the Lillian Annette Rowe Sanctuary. Each spring thousands of visitors come to Rowe to rejoice in the sight of the first steps of crane mating dances and the sound of ten thousand cranes cooing and trilling as they return to their roosts on the river. This is one of the world's great wildlife gatherings.

Lillian Annette Rowe's story illustrates how important bequests have been to the National Audubon Society. For almost a century, these gifts have helped Audubon purchase wildlife sanctuaries, build nature centers, open field offices, and conduct environmental education programs for adults and schoolchildren. Your bequest to Audubon ensures a measure of immortality in that you will be investing in the only thing that is truly timeless -- our natural world.

Have Your Will Prepared by an Attorney

National Audubon urges you to have your will prepared by an attorney who is knowledgeable about estate planning and who is familiar with the laws of the state where you reside. The following sample paragraph may be helpful to your attorney:

I bequeath to the National Audubon Society, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation chartered under the laws of New York State, with its principal offices located at 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, the sum of $__________(or ___% of my residuary estate) for its general unrestricted conservation and environmental protection purposes.

How Will Audubon Use Your Bequest?

If your will does not instruct Audubon to apply your gift to a specific program, Audubon's Board of Directors will apply it to the area of greatest need at the time we receive your gift. However, if you would like Audubon to use your gift for a specific program, please call Wayne Mones, Audubon's Director of Planned Giving, at (212) 979-3033 to discuss your plans before finalizing your will. You may, for example, have your gift applied to your State Office or to Audubon program areas such as Advocacy, Environmental Education, or Science.

Alternatives to a Bequest Can Pay You Lifetime Income,
and Save Taxes

Gifts that Pay You Lifetime Income: You can donate cash, stocks, or debt-free real estate now in exchange for lifetime income. Audubon offers gift annuities, a Pooled Income Fund, and charitable remainder trusts. Please contact our office for information. (Minimums: $10,000 and age 50.)

Life Insurance: If you no longer need as much life insurance as you did when you purchased your policy, you may designate the National Audubon Society as a beneficiary, or you may donate the policy to Audubon and receive an immediate income tax deduction.

Retirement Plans: You may name Audubon as the beneficiary of any amount remaining in your IRA, 403(b), 401(k), Keogh, or other qualified retirement plan upon your death.

The George Bird Grinnell Society

If you include the National Audubon Society in your estate plans or make a life income gift, Audubon will enroll you as a member of the George Bird Grinnell Society. Members of this honorary group receive an Audubon calendar each year, recognition in our annual report, and occasional invitations to special events.

You can request information electronically, via our Online Bequest Form, or print, fill out, and mail our Printable Bequest Form

Additional Information for Your Attorney

Legal Name:
National Audubon Society, Inc.

Headquarters:
700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Tax ID #:
13 - 1624102

Contact:
Wayne Mones, Director of Planned Giving

Telephone:
(212) 979-3033

Tax Status:
The National Audubon Society is a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization as described in sections 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) and 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Gifts and bequests are deductible for income, gift, and estate tax purposes.

Note: Audubon chapters are separate organizations. If you are planning a bequest to your local Audubon chapter, ask the chapter president for the correct legal name and tax status of your chapter.