By Andrea Christensen, Philanthropy Director

In my role at Washington’s National Park Fund, I have the joy of talking with supporters who love Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Again and again, I hear a similar heartfelt wish: to make a difference that lasts well beyond a single season, a single year, or even a single lifetime.

That wish is exactly what planned giving makes possible. A planned gift — sometimes called a legacy or estate gift — is a way to support the future of these three national parks that fits comfortably alongside your life today. For many supporters, a few details come as a welcome surprise: you can leave a meaningful legacy without necessarily affecting your finances right now. Another is: you can take care of your loved ones while also carving out a piece for the parks.

That is why so many donors are choosing to include WNPF in their estate plans. When you do, you are not writing a check today. You are making a promise for tomorrow, a promise that the trails, wildlife, star-filled night skies, and wild places people treasure will be cared for by the next generation, and the one after that. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing option. You care for loved ones as well as organizations doing impactful work that are important to you — and all can be included in your legacy!

Investing in Wonder

Mount Rainier National Park’s superintendent captures the heart of what a legacy gift really means: It’s easy to think about investments and growing wealth, but an investment in a national park is an investment in wonder.

WNPF Board Member Karen Povey feels the same way. She chose to name the Park Fund in her estate plan so that her support for the parks continues for the long term, and she is quick to point out that it was far easier to set up than she expected.

“For me, it’s super important to know that my legacy in protecting the parks and supporting the parks will continue for the long term, and that’s why I made sure to include the Park Fund in my estate plan — and it was so much easier than I anticipated,” she explains.

There are so many simple ways that that can be done, and just like that, the work is done, and I can rest assured knowing that forever, even long after I’m gone, this work will continue. To me, that is so meaningful, so I know that these parks will stay protected and valued, valued by our community for generations into the future. To me, that is just worth everything.”

Ways to Leave a Legacy

Planned giving is often simpler than people imagine. Frequently, all it takes is a short form or a quick conversation. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Wills and Trusts. Include WNPF in your will or trust by naming a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or whatever remains after your loved ones are cared for. Although a simple bequest does not affect your income during your lifetime, you can work with your financial planner to create a tax-beneficial trust that provides income during your lifetime and the remainder will be left for the parks.
  
• Retirement Plans and Financial Accounts. Name WNPF as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), DAF or other financial account. It usually takes just a simple beneficiary form, and you are free to use and adjust the account during your lifetime. It is generally more tax advantageous to designate a charity as the beneficiary of qualified retirement plans because they are exempt from estate income taxes that would be owed by your heirs.
  
• Life Insurance. If you have a policy your family no longer needs, you can name WNPF as a beneficiary, often with meaningful estate tax benefits.

Gifts of every size make a difference, and every plan is personal. Your own legal, financial, and tax advisors can help you choose the approach that best fits your goals. WNPF is a nonprofit partner of the parks and does not provide legal or tax advice.

When you inform us of your planned gift, you also join the Parks Everlasting Society, a community of dedicated supporters who receive special recognition, invitations to events, and behind-the-scenes updates on the impact their generosity makes possible.

Did you know? When you share your intention to include WNPF in your will, trust, or retirement plan, you can unlock up to $5,000 in immediate funding for the parks’ highest-priority needs through our Legacy Challenge. It is a wonderful way to turn a future gift into present-day impact for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Learn more at wnpf.org/challenge.

Ready to Join Us? Let’s Talk

Every legacy begins with a single conversation, and I would be honored to have that conversation with you. If you have questions about planned giving, or you would simply like to explore what might be possible, please reach out to me directly at andrea@wnpf.org or visit wnpf.org/planned.

Together, we can help ensure that these three extraordinary national parks remain wild, welcoming, and full of wonder — for today’s visitors, and for generations to come

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Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Your gifts directly support vital projects in trail maintenance, science and research, youth and family programs, and more. You can join the movement by giving back at wnpf.org/donate.

Cover photo: Ranger Anna with a young student in North Cascades National Park, courtesy of NPS.