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Echo Society

IW Bernheim

Isaac Wolfe Bernheim purchased over 12,500 acres of eroded and heavily logged land in Bullitt and Nelson Counties in Kentucky in 1929. He established the Isaac W. Bernheim Foundation to ensure the long-term protection and management of his living legacy. He recognized nature as regenerative and he established Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest as a gift to the people of Kentucky; a place where people of all races, creeds, and economic status have an opportunity to experience and connect with nature. Bernheim remains dedicated to those founding principles with a vision to be a nationally treasured leader in ecological stewardship that inspires the exploration of our deep connections with nature. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest now encompasses 15,625 acres and is the largest contiguous forest in the eastern United States.

You can follow in the footsteps of Mr. Bernheim by leaving a meaningful planned gift to benefit Bernheim that will echo throughout the forest for generations to come. By making a planned gift to Bernheim, you become part of our Echo Society, which comes with acknowledgement in our Forest Echo newsletter and invitations to special events in addition to the satisfaction of knowing you will leave the type of impact you desire to leave in this world.

It is important to consult your attorney with questions about estate and tax benefits associated with your unique plans. While there are many other giving options that an estate planner can help you explore, some of the easiest methods for leaving the gift of a lifetime to Bernheim are described below.

Type of Gifts

Wills

Having a will or revocable trust provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have taken care of the people you love and the causes in which you believe. Wills can be changed at any time. We offer the following bequest language as an example only. Your circumstances may require additional consultation from an estate planner. “I bequeath to The Isaac W. Bernheim Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed and existing under the laws of the State of Kentucky, with tax identification number 61-0444651, (written amount or percentage of estate) to be used for (unrestricted purposes or restricted for a particular program or area of Bernheim).” If you are thinking about a restricted gift, we request that you or your attorney speak with Bernheim’s Director of Development to ensure that we will be able to fulfill your wishes.

Life Insurance

Life insurance can be a convenient gift vehicle. The simplest option is to name The Isaac W. Bernheim Foundation as a beneficiary (primary or contingent). Changing beneficiaries is an easy process – just contact your insurance carrier to request a beneficiary form and list The Isaac W. Bernheim Foundation’s tax identification number (61-0444651) in place of a social security number. As with many bequests, you have the freedom and flexibility to change your mind – and your beneficiaries – at any time. Policy payments remain the responsibility of the donor.

Retirement Assets

If you pass away with retirement assets (from an IRA, 401-(k), 403-(b), pension or tax deferred plan), those assets are subject to income taxes. As a non-profit organization, Bernheim is often eligible to receive assets without tax obligations – giving you greater control to choose the legacy you want to leave. Often, donors elect to give such highly taxed assets to charity and less tax-burdened assets to heirs. To make beneficiary changes, just request the appropriate form from your employer or plan administrator.

Other Types of Gifts

Bernheim can consider gifts of real estate under certain circumstances. Bernheim does not have the capacity to administrate life income gifts (such as a charitable gift annuity), but encourages donors to work with a financial institution and name Bernheim as a beneficiary of such assets. Contact us to further discuss your unique circumstances.

Contact Us

Should you arrange a planned gift to Bernheim please let us know! You need only provide information you are comfortable sharing. We would love to add you to our Echo Society and ensure that we are able to fulfill any wishes or designations you apply to your gift.

Please contact the Cadell Walker, Director of Advancement, at (502)215-7137 or cadell.walker@bernheim.org.

Complete the Echo Society Form and mail or email it to Bernheim to substantiate your commitment to be a member of Bernheim’s Echo Society.

Thank you to our Corporate Partners!


Thank you to our Corporate Partners!

  • Beam Suntory
  • Patagonia
  • Quest Outdoors
  • KEEN
  • West Sixth

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