Trail Giving

Tiffany Lawrence and Chris Blosser, director of corporate & foundation relations, accept a recent donation from corporate partner, Northwest Federal Credit Union on behalf of the ATC, from Northwest Federal Credit Union’s “70 Acts of WE” Campaign

colder and the days get shorter, the bright spots in our work at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) come from the countless individuals, companies, and organizations who dig a little deeper each year to help protect the A.T. experience. For thousands of people every season who enjoy the “people’s trail,” our donors play a special role. Whether it’s through a gift to the ATC in the form of an annual membership, a major gift from an individual, or a large corporate contribution, each person and business helps to create something much bigger than themselves. By protecting the mission of the ATC, these special contributors are helping to ensure the protection of the iconic Appalachian Trail for generations to come.

So, as New Year’s resolutions are in full swing, I ask you: What will you be known for when you leave this earth? The most influential people are often noted as the ones who leave behind impactful legacies that live on in the hearts of the people and places they touch with their gifts. As we pass on, physically, we may no longer be part of our communities or the greater society, but our principles, our achievements, our philosophies, and our support of organizations will and can live on—from generation to generation.

So, in 2018, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has made a special commitment to expand our Planned Giving program. We aim to provide more opportunities for our members and supporters to easily incorporate the ATC into their existing or to-be-created legacy and estate planning. With the use of simple documents and access to Planned Giving experts, individuals may wish to think of the ATC in a bigger way. Our Membership and Development team is standing by to help answer questions and assist in this capacity. Bryce, a recent Planned Giving donor, completed a thru-hike in 1996 after his college graduation. This past year, in 2017, after the start of a successful career, he chose to make a gift that will live beyond his lifetime. He chose to include the ATC in his estate plan. We celebrate Bryce and the many others who have chosen to make this commitment. Our organizational endowment, created by these donations, will help to safeguard the future of our organization. To learn more visit: appalachiantrail.org/plannedgiving.

Tiffany Lawrence / Vice President of Membership & Development