Why do people like making planned gifts?
Planned gifts (most commonly a donation made in your will or trust) cost nothing today and allow you to make an incredible impact, which is why so many people choose to make them. Your planned gift to Baykeeper will ensure that future generations inherit a San Francisco Bay as vibrant and healthy as the one you love today.
Scroll down to learn more about gifts that safeguard San Francisco Bay.
Popular gifts for the future
Supporters like you make these gifts to reflect the values that matter most to them – like clean water and communities free from pollution.
Gifts in a will or trust
Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. They cost nothing today and leave a legacy to protect San Francisco Bay for generations to come. Learn more, or get help starting your will or trust – for free!
Beneficiary designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold. It’s a powerful way to support Baykeeper’s work to stop pollution and defend San Francisco Bay.
Popular gifts for today
Put your assets to work to defend San Francisco Bay. Many people love these donation options because they fit with their personal circumstances and financial goals.
Gifts that pay you back
Give assets to protect San Francisco Bay while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.
Stocks and securities
You may avoid paying capital gains taxes by donating stock or mutual funds, and you’ll support Baykeeper’s fight for pollution-free Bay Area communities.
Donor Advised Funds
Easily recommend grants to San Francisco Baykeeper for tax-efficient giving that ensures people and wildlife around the Bay can thrive.
Cryptocurrency
Donate Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more to save on taxes and make a big impact to protect San Francisco Bay.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and a healthy, resilient San Francisco Bay.
Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans!
Have you already included Baykeeper in your will? Please let us know so we can plan for the future and honor your commitment to a resilient San Francisco Bay.
Your Legacy for San Francisco Bay
Planned giving is one of the most powerful ways to protect the San Francisco Bay you love—now and for the future.
Your legacy can help create:
• A clean and safe Bay for the next generation
• A healthy Bay teeming with fish and wildlife
• Bay Area communities free from pollution, where all residents can thrive
Diane Walton
Board Member, San Francisco Baykeeper
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.
Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your gift.
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).
Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.
Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know