Tern Society

Mass Audubon’s Legacy of Planned Giving

The foresight of two inspirational women, Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall, helped establish Mass Audubon as the leader of the early conservation movement of the 1800’s. Following their lead, countless generous individuals have made it possible to fulfill our mission and sustain our vital conservation work through a planned gift. For many, planning a gift enables them to have a greater philanthropic impact than would otherwise have been possible.

The Tern Society recognizes individuals who make gifts like these and include Mass Audubon in their personal estate plans. If you are thinking about making a gift through a bequest, trust, or life income arrangement, we invite you to tell us and become a member.

Tern Society Membership Benefits

Membership in the Tern Society grants you special recognition, event invitations, access to gift planning advice, and a network of like-minded individuals. It involves no dues, obligations, or solicitations—just our thanks and recognition for the plans you have made. Tern Society benefits include:

• Establishment of a legacy that will benefit future generations of people and wildlife
• Invitations to Mass Audubon activities, including meet-ups, picnics, teas, and leadership events
• A sense of community: your fellow Terns feel as strongly about protecting the nature of Massachusetts as you
• Resources for giving including, benefits, strategies, and information about our work
• Recognition of your gift, cementing your legacy and inspiring others (you may remain anonymous if you chose)

Gifts for the Future: Flexible, Powerful, and Meaningful

Members of Tern Society have planned a gift for Mass Audubon and told us about their plan. Such gifts might include a bequest, beneficiary gifts of retirement accounts or life insurance, or charitable income gifts, such as charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts.

A planned gift may allow you to:

• Make a more significant gift than you thought possible
• Support Mass Audubon’s mission in perpetuity, helping us grow and continue our important work for future generations
• Direct your support to a specific Mass Audubon program or sanctuary
• Receive potential savings on income, capital gains, gift, and/or estate taxes
• Convert low or non-income-producing assets into an income stream
• Continue making a difference for years to come
• Inspire others and communicate your values

If you have completed your estate plan and it includes Mass Audubon, please fill out our member profile form, or call or email us to let us know. We look forward to talking with you about your plans and welcoming you to the Tern Society. And, if you have not yet completed your plans but are considering a deferred gift, please get in touch; we may be able to help suggest ways for you to more effectively achieve your charitable goals. Every gift, no matter how big or small, helps Mass Audubon grow, meet our environment’s changing needs, and remain a leader in tackling the conservation challenges of today and tomorrow.