Blog
Turn tax savings into conservation impact
Blending your philanthropic goals with strategic financial planning creates a powerful legacy for Sonoma’s protected lands. When you choose tax-smart giving—such as donating stock or granting through a DAF or IRA account—you can contribute meaningfully to urgent conservation work right here at home. Learn more about tax smart giving here.
In fact, tax smart tools are part of the history and DNA of the Land Trust, starting with the creation of the Conservation Easement back in the 1970s.
Fifty years ago, the founders of Sonoma Land Trust endeavored to find funding sources for land conservation, and before 1979 there was no way to permanently protect private land from development. The work of Sonoma Land Trust got a significant boost when the California Conservation Easement Law—which founder Joan Vilms helped write—went into effect, opening the way for awarding tax benefits to private landowners willing to extinguish or limit development rights on private property. To this day, conservation easements are still one of the strongest tools we, and land trusts across the country, have for permanent land protection.
Today, Sonoma Land Trust’s network of protected lands has grown to cover more than 9,000 acres in conservation easements alone.
Your partnership is vital to Sonoma Land Trust’s efforts to build a beautiful and thriving, climate-resilient future for our communities. Increase your impact on conservation today using tax smart contributions like giving through your Donor Advised Fund, your IRA account, or with appreciated stock. Or, explore a conservation easement!
Thank you for investing in a stronger, more sustainable future.
