1. Become a member:
Members receive a quarterly newsletter, invitations to members-only events and our annual dinner, and access to our environmental library and knowledgeable staff.
To submit your membership
on-line, click
here. Or if you prefer to mail us a check,
click here for
a printable version of the membership form.
Because membership dues at the minimum levels cover only a small portion of our annual budget, members are encouraged to pay dues annually in excess of the minimum levels, if at all possible.
2. Support our efforts through annual giving: Annual giving is our primary funding source and is absolutely critical to our success. To make a contribution, send a check to
GSWA, P.O. Box 300, New Vernon, NJ 07976. Or
to make a donation on-line, click here.
3. Contribute to our Endowment Fund, through a gift that keeps on giving: Our endowment fund was established in 1997, based on a generous gift from the Cassa family of Chatham Township. The
fund provides a certain source of income to supplement membership dues and annual giving, both of which fluctuate with the economy and consumer confidence. To make a contribution, send a check to GSWA, P.O. Box 300, New Vernon, NJ 07976. Again, we thank you.
4. Make a contribution of land: GSWA encourages contributions of land, both to GSWA and to other local land-preservation organizations. In either case, individuals, corporations or other entities that contribute land can obtain a tax deduction in the process. Our Development Director Bonnie Gannon (973-966-1900) will work with interested parties to explore options (contribution, identification of receiving organization, bargain sale, grant of conservation easement, with retained life interest, etc.).
5. Make a gift through your will and estate plans: Providing for GSWA in your will, living trust or other estate plan represents a gift that will help our future ability to preserve and protect Great Swamp for posterity. There are several types of bequests, each with its own benefits. For more complete information and advice, consult your attorney or estate planner.
6. Contribute appreciated securities: If you would like to contribute to GSWA and you own appreciated securities (that is, stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have increased in value during your ownership) in a taxable account, you can completely avoid capital gains taxes and get a deduction based on the current market value of the contribution (rather than your cost) by contributing appreciated securities. For more complete information and advice, consult your financial adviser.
7. Create a Deferred Annuity: A Deferred Gift Annuity can help you provide income for yourself and others during your retirement years while making an important gift to GSWA. For more complete information and advice, consult your financial adviser.
8. Create a Charitable Gift Annuity: A Charitable Gift Annuity can help you provide fixed income for yourself and others while making a major contribution to GSWA. For more complete information and advice, consult your financial adviser.
9. Create a Charitable Remainder Unitrust through a minimum gift of $50,000 for trusts established with cash or securities and $100,000 for trusts established with real estate. For more complete information and advice, consult your financial adviser or estate planner.
10. Foundation and corporation support: We have enjoyed significant support on both a restricted and unrestricted basis from a wide variety of foundations and corporations, and will be delighted to document our track record, as well as the need for current support.
Foundations and corporations interested in exploring opportunities to support our efforts are encouraged to contact Bonnie Gannon, GSWA Development Director, at 973-966-1900.
