Support by Giving
Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the non-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, the Avian Conservation Center adheres to the Donor Bill of Rights and the Code of Ethical Standards laid forth by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
The Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies extensively on membership contributions, corporate sponsorship, foundations and our committed Volunteer Staff to conduct our work. We invite you to participate! All contributions to the Center for Birds of Prey are tax-deductible, as provided by law.
Annual Fund
Unless otherwise specified by the donor, all gifts to the Center are put towards the Annual Fund which provides ongoing operating support. Annual Fund gifts fall into two categories: General Membership and Wingswood Society.
All membership gifts include:
- Complimentary passes to the Center;
- E-News alerts;
- Exclusive invitations to lectures, activities, and events;
- 20% discount on merchandise and special programs; and
- Window decal.
General membership opportunities have six levels:
- $50 Includes one day’s admission for two individuals.
- $75 Includes one year’s admission for one individual.
- $100 Includes one year’s admission for two individuals.
- $150 Includes one year’s admission for a family.*
- $250 Includes one year’s admission for a family* plus one guest.
- $500 Includes one year’s admission for a family* plus two guests.
*Family memberships include parents plus all minor children
Wingswood. The name evokes a mystic sense of awe, not unlike the birds of prey housed at the Avian Conservation Center complex in the low country wetlands. When the Center expanded to its current 152 acre facility donated by the Rice family, it was decided that the name of the new property would be “Wingswood” – reflecting the conservation mission that the new site would allow the Center to grow. Affectionately bearing the same name, the Center’s major gift society is designed to provide special recognition and a unique level of access to the Center’s operation to individuals whose support rises to an exceptional level. Wingswood Society membership has four levels:
- $1,000 Supporting Member
Includes one year’s membership and admission for a family plus two guests, invitations to annual Wingswood Society events, invitations to behind-the-scenes tours, and unparalleled access to the organization, its staff and birds.
- $2,500 Conserving Member
Includes Supporting Member benefits plus “Your Day” at the Center where you can bring up to 20 guests during regular business hours, admission for four guests to one of our exclusive Wingswood Society events, and two tickets to our annual gala.
- $5,000 Leadership Member
Includes Conserving Member benefits plus admission for 10 guests to one of our exclusive Wingswood Society events and an educational program for a school, business or community group of your choosing.
- $10,000 Legacy Member
Includes Leadership Member benefits plus a private raptor release and four tickets to our annual gala!
Matching Gifts
Your company may provide matching opportunities for your gift. You can double the impact of your gift by asking your company if they participate in a matching gift program. Our office is happy to assist you with these inquiries if you contact us at 843-971-7474. You may also check a database of matching gift companies hosted by Blackbaud.
Tribute Gifts
Gifts to the Center provide a special way to honor or remember the legacy of friends and family members. Donors may choose to make their gift in honor or in memory of an individual or group of their choosing. When making these tribute gifts, please provide the appropriate contact information for the individual you are recognizing. An acknowledgement letter will be sent to the individual you name notifying them of your thoughtful gift. Please note that tribute gifts do not qualify for gift memberships.
If your donation is a Gift Membership, please be sure to provide your contact information as well as the contact information of the person for whom you are purchasing the membership.
For tax purposes, the Center requests that any donors wishing to opt out of membership benefits notify the Center at the time of the contribution.
Planned Giving
Conservation is not something accomplished with a single act or in a single instance. Rather, conservation is a lifestyle and a lifelong commitment to a philosophy that we can take action to make the world a better place. What better way to immortalize a lifetime legacy of conservation than with a planned gift that will impact our Center’s work for generations to come?
We can help you create an estate plan that fulfills your family commitments, minimizes government taxes, and honors charities like the Avian Conservation Center. Below are some of the ways we can help you craft this plan with your estate advisor.
*Charts created by Thompson & Associates: Values-Based Estate Planning.
Bequest in a Will
You can make a deferred gift by naming the Center in your Will. You receive an estate tax deduction for the value of your bequest which allows you to make a gift later without giving up cash now.
In order to make a bequest, you should speak with your attorney. Your attorney can help you include a bequest to the Avian Conservation Center in your estate plan. We have provided sample bequest language for an outright bequest of a percentage of your estate below to assist you and your attorney. If you would like sample language for outright bequests of a specific dollar amount, personal property, or real estate; residuary bequests; or contingent bequests, please contact our office at 843-971-7474.
I hereby give, devise and bequeath ____ percent (___%) of my total estate, determined as of the date of my death, to the Avian Conservation Center, a nonprofit organization located at 4719 Highway 17 N, Awendaw, SC 29429, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 1247, Charleston, SC 29402, Federal Tax ID #57-0966813, for the Center’s general use and purpose.
Information on Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Life Insurance Policies, and IRA Charitable Rollovers can be obtained by contacting our office at 843-971-7474.
Corporate and Business Sponsorships
Forward-thinking businesses can invest in our shared future by partnering with the Avian Conservation Center. Sponsoring the Center identifies your company’s commitment to conservation, education, and the Charleston region. Increase your company’s visibility with the Avian Conservation Center’s members, donors, volunteers and visitors while taking advantage of unique opportunities for meaningful employee and client experiences.
Contact our office at 843-971-7474 for a complete list of corporate benefits and ongoing sponsorship opportunities.
In-Kind Gifts
In addition to the many opportunities for outright financial support of the Center’s work, ongoing institutional needs for supplies, volunteer time, and other items offer ways for individuals to contribute much needed materials to the Center’s operation. Some of these items can be found on the Center’s Amazon Wish List.
For tax purposes, in order to disclose the value of in-kind gifts the donor must either provide a receipt of purchase for the donated materials or (in the case of artwork and other subjective material) provide a certified appraisal of the value of the donation.
Ways to Give
Making your donation online is both safe and convenient. We use PayPal to process online contributions, but a PayPal account is not required. If you have any questions about the process or would like to submit your donation over the phone, just give us a call at 843-971-7474. If you would prefer to mail your contribution, download a donor form below.
Contribute by Phone
Call us at 843.971.7474 to charge by phone.
Contribute by Mail
Click here for a printable contribution form.