GMHA : The Green Mountain Horse Association

Planned Giving at GMHA:
The Future Is Yours

GMHA has been around a long time, touching many lives. It has shaped this area’s culture of open space and traditional equestrian recreation and continues to support the vitality and well-being of the local community.

This is your organization. You carry in your heart and mind all the unique experiences gathered over time while riding the many diverse trails in our network and taking part in our high-quality events and programs. Perhaps you made new friends here, have fond memories of Pony Club or shared your time and interest to volunteer and enjoy the social connection. You are the force that keeps GMHA vibrant and long-lasting.

Looking Forward and Long-term

GMHA must always stay one step ahead to assure it remains strong and sustainable. That is why we are beginning to promote planned giving, sometimes referred to as legacy giving. If you have ever contemplated what significant difference you might make for the future—one that supports your personal values—take a moment to consider the impact that a legacy gift to GMHA will have.

Reflecting and Expressing Your Values

Planned gifts can be powerful estate planning tools that offer much flexibility to donors who wish to reduce their estate tax liability. These gifts can enable mission-based outcomes such as through the Trail Investment Fund or can guarantee that operational budgets will be met.

Planned giving is a meaningful and permanent way to reflect and express your values. Anyone of any means can make a gift—this is not just for the wealthiest among us.

GMHA will accept most gifts that will further and fulfill its mission and purpose:

• Bequests – A gift left by will, this is an easy way to make a lasting gift to GMHA
• Stock gifts
• Whole life insurance policies
• Charitable remainder trusts
• Appropriate tangible personal property and real estate

Studies show that the number one reason why people do not make legacy gifts is because they have never been asked!

How to Make a Legacy Gift to GMHA

Consult with your personal legal and financial advisors. They can help you explore gift options that are right for you and discuss tax and estate planning consequences.

GMHA’s Gift Acceptance Policy provides guidance to donors and their professional advisors in completing gifts.

GMHA Silver Stirrup Legacy Society

To recognize everyone who makes a planned gift to GMHA, we have created the Silver Stirrup Legacy Society. New members are welcomed into the Society at a yearly social gathering, when they are presented with a lasting token of our gratitude. With permission, their names are published in our Annual Reports, which can serve as a motivation for others to consider making a planned gift in support of GMHA.

On August 23, 2011, Jack and Beverly Schofield graciously hosted the inaugural event for GMHA’s planned giving program.

The Silver Stirrup Legacy Society welcomed its first honorary members: Willard Rhodes and, in memoriam, John and Katherine Leslie.

These events are intended to be light, fun and informational, with brief talks on estate planning by financial and legal advisors.

Photos: Left, Willard Rhodes, with wife Claire, accepts his award. Right: Gail Haubrich, with daughter Mindy and granddaughter, Callie, accept award on behalf of the Leslie Family in memory of parents, John and Katherine Leslie.

Have you already made a planned gift to GMHA?

In order for us to know where we are with our efforts to assure GMHA's long-term sustainability, it is helpful to know if you have already made a planned gift.

To provide us with this information, please download, print, and complete the Charitable Gift Intent Form. Retain a copy for your records, then mail to the address at the top of the form. Your information will be handled with utmost sensitivity.

For assistance, please contact Cyndy Kozara, 457-1509, extension 220, or email cyndy@gmhainc.org.

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