Donate to LGNC
There are multiple ways you can make a difference through a donation to LGNC. Whether you are interested in purchasing an item from our wish list or investing in LGNC’s long-term sustainability through a special fund, your support has a big impact. All contributions are tax-deductible.
How to Make a Monetary Donation
General Donations
and Special Funds
If you are looking to have an immediate impact on LGNC’s day-to-day operations, we encourage you to make a general donation. General donations support everything from maintaining our Refuge to sustaining our educational outreach and research projects.
To support LGNC in the long term, please consider donating to one of the special funds detailed below.
Endowment Fund
This investment fund provides a permanent source of income for LGNC, with a portion sustainably harvested each year to support our operating budget. This support currently constitutes more than 15% of our total income, allowing us to maintain our staffing, pay ongoing operating expenses, and provide programming. We seek to continue growing the Endowment Fund to sustain our operating capacity.
Anyone can build the Endowment Fund by making a donation in someone’s honor or memory. In addition, individuals can obtain significant tax benefits from donations of such items as appreciated stocks, real estate, whole life insurance policies, or other valuable assets that would be taxable if sold or redeemed by the owner. You may also want to talk with us about charitable remainder trusts and other planned giving opportunities that allow you to donate assets in return for a lifetime annuity. Members of Thrivent Financial also have the option to direct Thrivent Dollars to the Endowment Fund.
Bill Mineo Fund
The late Bill Mineo was a visionary leader, whose guidance was key to LGNC’s founding and success. Bill was one of the very first people to believe in the idea of LGNC. While serving as D&L Trail Manager, he connected our organization with critical grant funds needed to establish the Refuge, introduced the novel idea of revegetating the Superfund site with native prairie grasses, and led the development of LGNC’s original master site plan. Bill continued to serve LGNC in his retirement as a member of our Board of Directors.
Bill’s family established the I. ‘Bill’ Mineo Memorial Endowment Fund to provide long-term support for LGNC’s mission and programs. This unrestricted fund is a sub-fund of LGNC’s main endowment.
Michal Kubik Education Fund
As a long-time member and former Board President of LGNC, the late Michal Kubik was dedicated to fostering conservation through science education. Professionally, Michal was a professor of biology who loved to share his passion for the natural world with his students, as well as numerous visitors at LGNC.
Michal’s family established the Michal Kubik Memorial Education Fund to directly support LGNC’s educational outreach. Donations to this fund make it possible for LGNC to offer a growing variety of programs and ensure that our outreach is accessible to everyone.
Lehigh Gap Capital Fund
This fund supports large capital improvements to LGNC’s facilities and grounds. Capital funds are saved until needs arise.
Other ways to support LGNC
Donation Wish List
You can also have an immediate impact by gifting an item on LGNC’s wish list! Visit our page on MyRegistry.com, which links to the specific outreach, maintenance, and other items we are currently seeking. Interested in purchasing a gift in someone’s honor? Just send us an email, and we will see that your honorary gift is recognized.
Planned Giving
Another way of helping the financial needs of LGNC is to include our organization in your will. Donations can include anything of value such as real estate, stocks and bonds, works of art, or coin and stamp collections.
Suitable language could include the following: “I give, devise and bequeath to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center (Wildlife Information Center, Inc.), a nonprofit corporation exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), whose present address is PO Box 198, Slatington, PA 18080-0198, the sum of $______ and/or (specifically describe property).”
Alternatively, you may decide to designate a percentage of your estate as a bequest to LGNC. Please contact LGNC staff at 610-760-8889 to discuss how you might make a planned giving contribution.
Corporate Giving
LGNC values its partnerships with local businesses. If you own or are employed by a local business, below are some corporate giving and business partnership opportunities to consider:
- Donate funds through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to support LGNC’s educational programming for public schools
- Host business meetings and retreats at LGNC
- Arrange a guided hike or nature walk for your group
- Make a gift to support a special project or program
Have another idea? Give us a call and let’s talk!
Partners and Supporters
Other Supporters
Peter Barter & Linda Bartera Fund
Befesa Community Fund
The Davis & Smith Family Foundation
Henry L. Mickley/Mabel S. Fravel Charitable Trust
Julius & Katheryn Hommer Foundation
Keystone Savings Foundation
Palmerton Concourse Club
Rotary Club of Slatington
Woman’s Club of Slatington
Did you know?
Lehigh Gap Nature Center receives no ongoing government support. As a private nonprofit organization, we depend on memberships and donations from people like you!