The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT)
was established statutorily in 1968 as a public benefit corporation of the State of New York. The NHT is tax exempt pursuant to Section 170 (b) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a publicly supported 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The NHT's mission is to receive and administer gifts, grants and contributions to further public programs for parks, recreation, cultural, land and water conservation and historic preservation purposes of the State of New York. The NHT accomplishes its mission by accepting donations, raising funds, and through cooperative programs and projects with its New York State agency partners:
- Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP),
- Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the
- Department of State (DOS).
The NHT also partners with a number of other public and private entities, not-for-profits and friends groups to secure and administer funding. The NHT is dedicated to building and sustaining relationships with organizations that share mission compatible goals and purposes.
Annual Report
The annual report highlights how the Trust has continued to successfully receive, manage, and administer funds to benefit public projects and programs in parks, historic sites, and public lands throughout New York State. -Sally Drake, Executive Director
Support State Parks & Historic Sites
New York State has been blessed with an abundance of natural, recreational and cultural resources. Our parks and historic sites inspire us and tell the story of our heritage. Now you can help strengthen our state parks system by donating to your favorite parks and historic sites through the Natural Heritage Trust, the official charity of New York State Parks.
Donations and Gifts
There are many ways to donate and many ways to direct your contributions. Choose to make your gifts in whatever way is most convenient and meaningful for you.
The Trust accepts donations to support state parks and historic sites, environmental education and outdoor recreation programs, and stewardship of New York's natural resources.
Online Giving
Online giving to New York State parks and historic sites is simple & secure.
Please visit https://www.naturalheritagetrust.org/donate to make a gift now.
If you prefer, you can print and mail a donation form (pdf) with your check.
More ways to Give...
Tribute and Memorial Gifts
The Trust accepts gifts to honor or remember your family members and friends. Simply print and mail a donation form (pdf) with your check. When your gift is received, the Trust will send a personalized letter to the person or family you indicate, notifying them of your gift.
Employer Matching Gifts
You can double or even triple the impact of your gift if you or your spouse's employer participates in a matching gift program. To find out if your employer offers matching donations, check with your personnel office.
Gifts of Stock and Securities
The Trust accepts stock, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities. It is the Trust's policy to sell contributed stock or securities and put the proceeds to work right away. Donors What eceive a formal acknowledgment & tax substantiation upon successful completion of a gift. If you are considering a gift of stock or securities please contact us so we can provide you with the correct transfer information.
Estate Planning
Gift planning offers a variety of ways to structure contributions in a manner that may minimize tax liabilities while increasing the possibilities for effective distribution of assets.
Bequests
By leaving a bequest to the Natural Heritage Trust (Trust), you will make a lasting contribution to New York State Parks. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your total estate, or a share of the residual amount after gifts to your heirs.
Your bequest can be designated for general purposes or to a specific park, historic site, or program area. Please contact the Trust to ensure that your gift can be used as intended. Although you are not obligated to notify the Trust of your intended gift, doing so will allow the Trust to appropriately thank you for your gift and keep you updated on the work of the Trust.
If you have questions on how to include the Trust in your will, contact us at nht@parks.ny.gov or at 518-474-2997.
Life-Payment Gifts
Life-payment plans allow you to make a contribution to the Trust while still providing for your personal financial needs. Life-payment plans may offer substantial tax benefits.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Charitable remainder trusts are popular plans because of the flexibility they offer. They are similar to other types of trusts, except that the Trust receives the remainder interest. You assign cash or securities and specify how trust income and the remainder interest will be distributed.
Charitable Lead Trust
Charitable lead trusts are the reverse of charitable remainder trusts in that payments from the trust are given to the Trust for a specified term in years. Upon your death or the end of the term, the net assets of the trust pass to your family or other designees.
Gifts of Life Insurance
When your life insurance policy was originally purchased, you had a need for the benefits. Perhaps today you don't need the coverage. To contribute your life insurance policy, simply name the Trust as its beneficiary or partial beneficiary.
Gifts of Retirement Plans
You can name the Trust as beneficiary of your pension, 401K, IRA or other retirement plan. Please discuss your particular situation with your tax advisor.
Contact
Email Address
Mailing Address
Natural Heritage Trust
Albany, NY 12238
(518) 474-2997
Physical Address
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12238
(518) 474-2997