Liz Nelson Weaver Puts philanthropy in the Lead

Liz Nelson Weaver, spent the last decade of her career as a writer at one of Boston's premier hospitals, sharing with donors how their gifts were making a difference. But Liz wears the donor's hat, too. Passionate about the environment and healthcare, Liz has made several generous gifts to Boston area organizations. Mass Audubon is thankful and fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of her care, wisdom, and generosity.

Liz's family history with Mass Audubon "goes back forever at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. My children participated in the Four's and Five's programs and eventually became camp counselors. Throughout the years, we walked the trails, canoed, and kayaked together. Every single connection with Mass Audubon staff was remarkable—positive and warm, making us feel welcome and like family. The sanctuary has been significant to our growth; we learned to observe nature's wonders, appreciate the smallest details, and understand how important it is to protect it."

Several years ago, Liz created a fund at Mass Audubon in appreciation and to honor Marcia Nelson, a beloved aunt. "Marcia was an avid birder and a warm and caring person. She took great interest in my boys' lives and encouraged us to become amateur birders. She enjoyed tracking our progress as we learned calls, to distinguish beaks, and correctly classify. Within just a couple of days of her death, I knew exactly how I wanted to use her bequest to me—I would create an endowment at Mass Audubon. It was a perfect fit. The fund celebrates her and my family's deep commitment to the environment. And it would be in perpetuity. The Marcia Nelson Memorial Scholarship Endowment guarantees that Mass Audubon will always have an income source to help kids enjoy camp." Liz suggested that whenever possible the scholarships be for children from urban communities since they may have limited opportunities to have contact with nature.

"I have enough. I want to give back and pay it forward. I also want to be a role model for my family by involving them in the world of philanthropy. My role model was my father-in-law who announced one Christmas 'no more gifts; please send a contribution to CARE instead.' And we did. Marcia's endowment is in place, and I hope my sons will join me in helping it grow so it can have an ever-bigger impact.

Sometimes we can feel like it is so hard to make a dent. Helping protect the environment whether through gifts, composting, or driving a Prius.... We can each make a difference."

Liz Nelson Weaver