Trail Angel Society

About the Trail Angel Society

At the Trail Conference, we believe our volunteers and donors are Trail Angels. Our first 100 years of volunteering have created a trail system in New York and New Jersey that is as innovative as it is resilient. But to ensure a plentiful supply of skilled volunteers to protect these public lands and trails for the next 100 years, we must be forward-thinking in the ways we seek funding for this vital work.

The purpose of our Trail Angel Society is to provide reliable income over the long term, through planned gifts such as bequests or other estate provisions that benefit the Trail Conference. The Society is open to anyone who confirms that the Trail Conference will benefit from their estate plan.

A Pledge Challenge for the Trail Conference

A generous donor has come to the Trail Conference with an exciting idea. Believing in the importance and power of “paying it forward," this donor will give a contribution of $500 to the Trail Conference right away when someone indicates that he or she has made a bequest or a provision in his or her estate plan that benefits the Trail Conference.

Using FreeWill's free and easy-to-use estate planning tool, our donor will write a check to the Trail Conference for $500 for each form we receive. The donor is creating an immediate incentive to encourage future bequest proceeds.

Your bequest intention form is non-binding; people can change their minds as their circumstances change. The form is to show that you are making plans now, but you have every right to change them later.

If you’ve made a provision in your estate plan that benefits the Trail Conference, fill out this quick form to let us know, even if you’ve told us previously, and we can benefit NOW from our generous donor. If you’re working on your estate plan and you intend to benefit the Trail Conference with a provision, use this form when you have finalized your plans and take advantage of this exciting Pledge Challenge.

Become a Member

We are so grateful for the creativity and fortitude of our members and volunteers. It is what enables the Trail Conference to fulfill its mission, year after year, decade after decade, century after century. Join the Trail Angel Society by making a provision in your estate plan to benefit the Trail Conference and assure an immediate contribution to celebrate your generosity. You will not only be paying forward your love for public lands and trails, but you will also be making a big difference right now.

Making the Most of Your Legacy Series

If you’ve been wondering about your charitable giving options, please view our webinar series, Making the Most of Your Legacy. Longtime Trail Conference supporter David J. Haas, president and founder of Cereus Financial Advisors, LLC, will be offering insight on several ways to give back to the Trail Conference, explaining the benefits of each method. 

Part 1: Making the Most of My Legacy Series: Donor Advised Funds
Part 2: Qualified Charitable Distribution and How to Manage your IRA Required Minimum Distributions for Taxes
Part 3Smart Beneficiary Selection for your IRAs, 401(k) plans, Life Insurance, and Annuities
Part 4: Advanced Planning
Part 5: Community Foundations and your Charitable Goals