In its support function for forestry-related programs in the state of Maryland, the Maryland Forestry Foundation knows firsthand the importance and power of committed volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the state to further the preservation and proper management of Maryland's forests. These advocates often go unheralded but deserve widespread recognition for the work they have done. If you know of anyone who you feel should be honored, please consider a donation in their name to the Foundation. The Honorees will receive a beautiful card notifying them of your generosity and will know that this gift helps further the causes about which they are passionate. For gifts above $1,000, the Foundation will make arrangements for a tree to be planted in the honoree's name in a memorial grove in a State Forest.

To make an Honorary Donation, you can either donate online or by check - just make sure that the Honoree's name and address are included. If you would like to put a brief description in the online comment section or in a letter, we will be glad to include the reasoning behind your gift in the card.

A memorial donation is an exceptional way to remember a special person while at the same time helping to support an important cause. A Memorial Certificate will be sent to the family or organization of your choosing, inscribed with your name and with the name of the deceased.

To make a Memorial Donation, you can either donate online or by check and let us know the full name of the person you are honoring. If you would like to put a brief description in the online comment section or in a letter, we will be glad to include the reasoning behind your gift on the Memorial Certificate.

You can make a difference by granting a bequest in your will to the Foundation thereby leaving a legacy that will help us continue supporting the important forestry programs in our state. Some other benefits of making a bequest are deferring your gift until after your lifetime, exemption from federal estate taxes and the ability to change the gift at any time during your lifetime. Please contact your financial advisor or estate attorney to discuss the wording of the type of bequest you would like to make.

Giving a gift of stock is easy and a great way to help your community while providing possible tax advantage to you. If you have owned the stock for more than one year, you may deduct the full fair market value, versus the original cost, of the stock as a charitable contribution. The resulting deduction may decrease your tax liability and help you bypass capital gains tax on the appreciated stock.

Please contact your financial advisor or tax accountant if you have questions about whether a gift of stock makes sense for your particular financial situation. For details on the simple transfer process, please contact Dawn Balinski at treasury@marylandforestryboards.org.