Planned Giving   Columbus Audubon Establishes Planned Giving Program by Marc Blubaugh In March 2002, Columbus Audubon established a planned giving program to encourage members and friends to include Columbus Audubon in their estate planning. The resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees creates three endowment funds to which individuals can direct bequests and other donations. Bequests and donations directed to the endowment funds will be invested, and only the income from the investment will be spent. In other words, your contribution provides a permanent benefit to Columbus Audubon. The endowment funds are: Education Fund.  The income from this endowment may be spent to educate the public on any matter authorized under the Articles of Incorporation and the Constitution of Columbus Audubon. Such education includes bird walks, field trips and public forums. Conservation Fund.  The income from this endowment may be spent to conserve natural habitats. Such conservation includes maintaining or improving Calumus Swamp and other lands acquired by the chapter. Operating Fund.  The income from this endowment may be spent on any general operating expenses incurred by Columbus Audubon. The Board of Trustees may direct any unrestricted bequests or contributions to any of the three funds. The resolution adopted by the Board also provided for the formation of a planned giving committee, which has responsibility for soliciting bequests and contributions. The chairperson of the planned giving committee has authority to accept bequests, sign receipts and perform all other acts necessary and proper to effect the distribution of bequests or other contributions to Columbus Audubon. Marc Blubaugh is serving as interim chairperson of the planned giving committee. We encourage you to seriously consider naming Columbus Audubon as a beneficiary in your will, trust, life insurance policy, IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or other retirement plan. Future articles (see links on the Planned Giving index page) will offer other suggestions how you can make a lasting contribution to Columbus Audubon. Please contact Marc Blubaugh at 614-895-0857 with any questions in the meantime. Page updated 01/19/04 © Columbus Audubon 2004