Giving with Tomorrow in Mind
At the Great Outdoors Foundation (GOF), we are driven by our mission to advance conservation through collaboration, innovation, and stewardship. And this past year gave us the opportunity to do just that.
A time filled with unprecedented challenges, the environment was not just a part of conversations this year — it was the headline. News about water quality and our environmental health stirred up a desire for change in our communities never seen before. GOF, a long-standing advocate for conservation, responded by both bolstering our existing initiatives and creating new innovative solutions — none of which would be possible without support from our generous donors.
As end of year giving season approaches, we ask you to consider being a part of the movement. Join us on our mission to do whatever is earthly possible to preserve and protect our planet.
When you give:
Your gift to GOF is more than a donation. It’s a declaration that the great outdoors isn’t just an inheritance for us to enjoy today — it’s a treasure we all must safeguard for tomorrow.
Empowered by your gift and declaration, we set our sights on lofty goals and innovative projects that provide lasting change for our environment.
Examples of our work include:
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
One of the most universally accessible parks in the country, Athene North Shore provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors. GOF is proud to have been the fiscal sponsor for this project.
Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON)
ICON is reimagining Iowa’s water trail safety, access, and economic opportunities by creating a connected network of more than 150 miles of rivers and creeks. ICON places strong emphasis on recreation as a catalyst for conservation, with access points built with conservation best practices in mind. Incubated by the Great Outdoors Foundation in 2016, ICON has grown to include 15+ access points with 80+ improvements to come.
Conservation Acceleration Fund (CAF)
The CAF, launched by GOF in 2023, is an innovative funding solution that maximizes impact and speed of water quality projects. Combining both private and public dollars, the CAF guarantees a 4:1 match requirement that effectively eliminates traditional barriers to funding. A variety of water quality projects are funded by the CAF, including wetlands, streambank stabilizations, grade stabilizations, slough preservations, and more.
In 2024 alone, the CAF:
- Mitigated 1.2M+ pounds of nitrate from projects
- Secured a 8:1 private-public match
- Leveraged $28M+ in water quality funding
These projects are just a few among many that GOF has taken part in, and we are looking optimistically to the new year, asking “What’s next?”
Ways to Give:
Interested in supporting GOF? We are proud to offer a variety of donating options to best fit your lifestyle. In addition to accepting checks and secure credit card donations, we can receive:
Stock & ACH Donations
You can directly transfer your securities or funds to GOF. These gifts can maximize your support by potentially eliminating capital gains taxes and could allow you to take an immediate income tax deduction in the amount of the full fair market value if you itemize your deductions. Please contact us directly for account details and transfer instructions.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
DAFs are a great option for those looking to combine their savings, tax benefits and giving flexibility. Gifts can be sent to GOF’s EIN 42-1441098.
Bequests
We would be honored to receive your charitable bequest. Speak with your legal counsel or utilize an online tool to get started.
IRA Charitable Rollovers
Are you 70.5 years or older? Your Investment Retirement Account (IRA) Charitable Rollovers, or Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), are an impactful way to support GOF. These gifts are tax-free, regardless of whether you itemize your tax return deductions. They also count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year. Contact your IRA trustee to learn more.
Workplace Giving
Does your workplace match charitable gifts? Many employers offer matching gifts for their employees, allowing individuals to maximize the impact of their gift. To learn more about local workplace giving programs, contact us, or reach out to your human resources representative.
Retirement Accounts
You can name a nonprofit like GOF as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy or other unused retirement assets. This can include individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and pensions. Gifts of retirement assets can potentially help your heirs to avoid income and estate taxes. Contact your financial advisor for more information.
To learn more about supporting GOF, visit our giving page.
We could not do this crucial work without you. Whether you’ve supported us from the beginning, or just began today, thank you for being a part of this story.
