It is a Simple Vision
We love our beautiful islands.
Most of us want to learn all we can about them. The more we learn, the more we want to pitch in and protect
this special place for our children
and grandchildren.
This vision illuminates one of the great success stories of citizen volunteerism. Through the Lighthouse Environmental Programs (LEP) Endowment Fund , you can help keep the vision alive for future generations.
How LEP Came About
In the early 1990s, Don Meehan of Washington State University (WSU) Extension - Island County recognized a disturbing trend. Our two islands were rapidly losing their fragile natural systems. Few people understood how to care for our waters, shores and uplands. Meehan launched WSU Beach Watchers and Waste Wise Volunteers to educate the community. Both groups set out to engage citizens with a combination of education and service. A third group, Keepers of Admiralty Head Lighthouse, soon joined them with similar goals and values. As of 2005, six other Puget Sound counties are now organizing their own Beach Watcher programs.
People wanted to help these programs with gifts of support, so the three groups came together under a non-profit, charitable umbrella organization, IRS 501(c)(3), Lighthouse Environmental Programs.
Bequest
Give a specific amount. One of the easiest ways to give is to bequeath a specific dollar amount. This option offers the most certainty about the amount of your donation.
Give a specific property. If you know we can use a particular item or asset, you may bequeath a specific property. But first please check with the LEP Endowment Fund Committee to be sure we can accept it and put it to good use.
Give a percentage. Bequeath a stated percentage of your assets to the LEP Endowment Fund. Your charitable dispositions will automatically adjust along with the total value of the property passing under the terms of your will.
Give all or part of “what is left.” Leave a specific amount or percentage of your assets to the LEP Endowment Fund from the residue or “what is left” after providing for your other beneficiaries. Use a codicil to add or modify a charitable bequest. This supplement (or addition) to a will may be more simple and economical than drafting a new will.
Two Types of Memorials
Memorials. You may honor a friend or fellow volunteer at the time of their death with a memorial to the LEP Endowment Fund. Members of the LEP organizations – Beach Watchers, Waste Wise and Keepers of Admiralty Head Lighthouse – tend to form close bonds with one another, and this is a particularly fitting way to remember them.
Living memorials. Honor a living friend or loved one on a special occasion with a living memorial gift -- for a birthday, anniversary or other special event.
Forms in Which You May Make Gifts
Cash. Cash gifts qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Consult with your tax-preparer or the IRS about specific allowances in your individual situation.
Securities. You may also give appreciated securities. Examples are readily-marketable stocks and bonds, and stock in closely-held companies. Not all securities can be accepted by LEP Endowment Fund. Please check with LEP Endowment Fund before transferring.
Bequests and memorials. Through your will you can perpetuate good works with a living memorial. The LEP Endowment Fund can be a beneficiary of all, or a portion, of your estate. Or it may be the recipient of a specific device or the ultimate beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust. In addition, any funeral memorials contributed in your memory can be directed to the LEP Endowment Fund.
Real estate. Real property held more than one year can provide the same tax advantages as a gift of securities. You may also donate the remainder interest of a personal residence to the LEP Endowment Fund while retaining a life interest in the residence by transferring the residence to a qualified personal residence trust.
How You May Help With a Bequest
You may help Beach Watchers, Waste Wise or Keepers of Admiralty Head Lighthouse Docents Program by making a bequest to the LEP Endowment Fund. We will invest it and use only the income from the investments. Or you may honor a friend or loved one with a memorial gift that keeps on giving.
The First Step
Check with your family and attorney to include the LEP Endowment Fund in your will. When you need we can provide guidance or further information about the LEP Endowment Fund. Call 360-240-5558 to be placed in touch with our treasurer. Memorials are even easier. Just designate your honoree, fund your gift, and the LEP Endowment Fund will do the rest.
Thank you.
