A gift in your will to benefit BLC is a simple and gratifying way to leave a legacy of protected land in the Houston region. Creating or updating your estate plans calls for careful planning with the help of an estate-planning attorney. Bequest language can vary from state to state, and country to country. We recommend consulting an attorney that understands local estate laws. The following suggested language may be provided to your attorney: "I give $_____ (a specific amount, or alternatively), "_____ percent of the residuary of my estate"] to Bayou Land Conservancy (tax ID # is 76-0557498), a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the State of Texas and having its principal office at 10330 Lake Road, Building J Houston TX 77070, for its general purposes."

Your retirement plan offers an opportunity to create a meaningful legacy that benefits land conservation. It is easy to make a gift to BLC from your IRA or other retirement account by designating Bayou Land Conservancy, Tax ID 76-0557498, as a beneficiary.

If you would like to support BLC and minimize the estate and gift taxes on assets you wish to pass on to your family, a Charitable Lead Trust is an excellent way to meet both goals.

If you have owned your home, a vacation home, acreage, or a farm for many years, a charitable gift of that real estate may be especially tax-advantageous.

A Charitable Remainder Trust is an outstanding way to make a gift to BLC much larger than you may have thought possible, and to enjoy increased income and excellent tax benefits at the same time.

A gift of life insurance is one of the most efficient ways to make a major gift to BLC. The simplest way to donate insurance is to designate BLC as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. You can also arrange to donate a whole life insurance policy BLC. By donating your policy, you will yield a current income tax donation and reduce your overall taxable estate.