Leave a Legacy for Georgia's Natural Treasures

Preserve Georgia's natural wonders and protect our historic heritage — join the Friends Legacy Society and help preserve these places for future generations.

Join the Legacy Society

All information is kept confidential. This is not a legally binding commitment.

The Friends Legacy Society recognizes individuals who have made a commitment to include Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites in their estate plans. Members share a vision: that Georgia's parks, trails, historic sites, and natural landscapes will remain protected and accessible long after we're gone.

Legacy gifts — large or small — fund the programs and projects that grants and annual donations can't always reach. They represent a deep and lasting investment in the places that matter most to Georgians.

Benefits of Legacy Giving

Assets remain in your control during your lifetime
Modify your gift at any time as your circumstances change
Direct your gift toward a specific park, program, or purpose you care about
No upper limit on the estate tax deduction for charitable bequests

Ways to Leave a Legacy

Planned gifts can take many forms. We encourage you to work with your attorney, financial planner, or estate advisor to find the option that best fits your goals.

Bequest in Your Will

Include Friends of Georgia State Parks in your will or living trust to leave a lasting legacy.

Maintain control of your assets during your lifetime
Modify your gift if circumstances change
Direct your gift to a specific park or program
Reduce your estate tax burden

Retirement Assets

Name Friends of Georgia State Parks as a beneficiary of your retirement plans.

Avoid double taxation on retirement assets
Simple to arrange through your plan administrator
Maintain flexibility with beneficiary designations
Support parks while providing for loved ones

Life Insurance

Designate Friends of Georgia State Parks as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

Make a significant gift with modest premiums
Change beneficiaries at any time
Possible tax deductions for premium payments
Create a legacy without affecting current assets

Qualified Charitable Distributions

Transfer directly from your IRA to support Georgia's parks while reducing your tax burden.

Available for donors age 70½ or older
Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution
Excluded from your taxable income
Transfer up to $111,000 per year

Learn About QCDs

Your Legacy in Action

Educational Programming

Help connect young Georgians with nature through educational programs and outdoor experiences.

Park Enhancements

Support improvements to parks like this Chimney Swift Tower at Smithgall Woods.

Accessibility & Enjoyment

Ensure park facilities are accessible to all through programs supported by Friends.

Park Preservation

Maintain and beautify parks through litter cleanups and other volunteer efforts.

Other ways to give: Donate Now IRA / QCD Gift