That's the comment we often hear from friends of the Institute when they make gifts to assist in our programs.

What if it were possible to make a gift of "startling significance," the kind of contribution many friends of RTPI would like to make, if there were just some way to do it? We're talking about gifts that truly make a difference, that ensure a level of support that magnifies our ability to fulfill our mission, and multiplies your personal satisfaction and recognition.

Strange as it may sound, a gift of "startling significance" often can be made at very low cost. It's just a matter of planning what to give, how to give and when to give. The information on these pages illustrates many ways of making a "planned gift." Please call or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it the Development Office for assistance. There are many ways that planned gifts can help donors meet their life's goals and include contributions to not-for-profit organizations. We hope that we can help you discover options which will best combine your philanthropic goals and financial needs. The Peterson Society, established by the Board of Governors in 2002, honors individuals who have made planned gifts to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Membership in The Peterson Society is open to individuals who make the following types of gifts:

• Will bequest
• Living trust
• Charitable gift annuity
• Charitable remainder trust
• IRA, retirement plan assets
• Personal residence or farm with retained life estate
• Life insurance

Members of The Peterson Society are recognized through publication of their names in the Annual Report. Members also receive a certificate honoring the investment to the Institute.

Planned gifts are a vital part of the financial support necessary for RTPI to maintain its excellence in nature education training, museum and art exhibitions, public lectures and other programs.