Planned Giving
This is Your Organization
We all find it innately critical to know who we are, where we come from and where we’re headed. The same is true for GMHA with its remarkable historical fortitude and all the various people responsible for its character, growth and success. GMHA has been around a long time, shaping lives and the area’s culture of open space and traditional equestrian recreation. It continues to support the vitality and well-being of the local community.
This is your organization! A part of you is comprised of all the unique experiences gathered over time while riding the many diverse trails and participating in our high-quality events and programs. Maybe you made new friends here, have fond memories of Pony Club or enjoyed the social connection of volunteering. You have made GMHA the vibrant and special place that it is.
Support GMHA's Future with a Future Gift
GMHA must always stay one step ahead to assure it remains strong and sustainable. This is where Planned Giving (also referred to as Legacy Giving) can make all the difference! If you have ever contemplated what significant difference you might make for the future—one that supports your personal values—take a moment to consider the impact that a legacy gift to GMHA will have.
Reflecting and Expressing Your Values
Planned gifts can be powerful estate planning tools that offer much flexibility to donors who wish to reduce their estate tax liability.
These gifts can enable mission-based outcomes such as through the Trail Investment Fund or can guarantee that operational budgets will be met.
Planned giving is a meaningful and permanent way to reflect and express your values. Anyone of any means can make a gift—this is not just for the wealthiest among us.
GMHA will accept most gifts that will further and fulfill its mission and purpose:
- Bequests – A gift left by will, this is an easy way to make a lasting gift to GMHA
- Stock gifts
- Whole life insurance policies
- Charitable remainder trusts
- Appropriate tangible personal property and real estate
- The IRA Charitable Rollover was reinstated for all of 2013 (Expires December 31, 2013)
Studies show that the number one reason why people do not make legacy gifts is because they have never been asked!
GMHA Silver Stirrup Legacy Society
To recognize everyone who makes a planned gift to GMHA, we have created the Silver Stirrup Legacy Society. New members are welcomed into the Society at a yearly social gathering, when they are presented with a lasting token of our gratitude. With permission, their names are published in our Annual Reports and added to the plaque in the Members Room, which may motivate others to make a planned gift in support of GMHA's future.
Try staying in the saddle without your stirrups. The stirrup wasn’t selected to represent GMHA’s Legacy Society just because it is a bright, shiny object. Indeed, this object aids a rider in mounting, provides support while riding and even assists to guide the horse. As such, the stirrup is intended to deliver a symbolic, metaphorical message regarding the donation of a planned charitable gift: “Think of what you can do with that support; think of what you can’t do without it.”
“My giving is actually continuing a family legacy. My Mother rode at GMHA events in the late 1930s and again when she returned to New Hampshire in the 1960s. She brought many a team from the New London Pony Club and taught at the Youth Clinics. My sister and sister-in-law both attended clinics, competed and participated in Pony Club rallies. I was lucky enough to compete at the GMHA Horse Trials (in some years all three events) from 1998 until 2008 and anticipate returning this year.
These memories of GMHA are something everyone should have and being part of the GMHA Silver Stirrup Legacy Society is such an easy way to ensure that opportunity for generations to come.
My Mother impressed upon me the importance of members having stewardship over the Green Mountain Horse Association. Please consider making a charitable gift and continue your own legacy.”
- Jim Foley (and Geordie the Wonder Horse)
GMHA Life Member and Eventer
GMHA Legacy Society Member 2012
How to Make a Legacy Gift to GMHA
Consult with your personal legal and financial advisors. They can help you explore gift options that are right for you and discuss tax and estate planning consequences.
GMHA’s Gift Acceptance Policy provides guidance to donors and their professional advisors in completing gifts. Green Mountain Horse Association, Inc. is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Green Mountain Horse Association, Inc.
5491 South Road
P.O. Box 8
South Woodstock, Vermont 05071
Have You Already Made a Planned Gift to GMHA?
In order for us to know where we are with our efforts to assure GMHA's long-term sustainability, it is helpful to know if you have already made a planned gift.
To provide us with this information, please download, print, and complete the Charitable Gift Intent Form. Retain a copy for your records, then mail to the address at the top of the form. Your information will be handled with utmost sensitivity.
For assistance, please contact Cyndy Kozara, 457-1509, extension 220, or email cyndy@gmhainc.org.