Platte Society｜Leave a Legacy
Since 1978, Crane Trust has protected nearly 10,000 acres of critical habitat along the Central Platte River Valley. The resting ground for hundreds of thousands of migrating cranes, and home to countless other species, every single year.
A gift in your will, trust, or estate plan is one of the most lasting ways to make sure that work continues long after you’re gone. When you include Crane Trust in your plans, you join the Platte Society, a community of people who’ve chosen to protect this place for generations.
“Supporting the Crane Trust is important to us because these birds cannot protect themselves and their habitat cannot maintain itself. We must step in and make an extra effort to help. The Crane Trust does exceptional work with conservation, science and education while giving everyone the opportunity to experience the magic of the sandhill crane migration.”
-Pam and Bob Zambelli, Council Bluffs, IA
Ways to Leave Your Legacy
There’s more than one way to leave a legacy at the Crane Trust.
Most planned gifts fall into one of three categories below.
Gifts That Cost You Nothing Today
- A bequest in your will or trust
- Beneficiary of a retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b))
- Beneficiary of a life insurance policy
- Beneficiary of a donor-advised fund
Gifts That Pay You Income
- Charitable gift annuity
- Charitable remainder trust
Gifts That Reduce Your Taxes Now
- IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (70½+)
- Gifts of appreciated stock or securities
- Gifts of real estate
Contact Our Planned Giving Team
Whether you’re exploring planned giving or have already included the Crane Trust in
your estate plans, we’re here to answer your questions and help you through the process.
Crane Trust’s Legal & Tax Info
| Legal name: Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust, Inc. |
| Mailing address: 6611 W Whooping Crane Drive, Wood River, NE 68883 |
| Federal Tax ID / EIN: 47-0623996 |
| The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and isn’t intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your own attorney, tax advisor, or financial planner before making decisions about your estate plan. |
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re just getting started or have already made plans, we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum gift size to join the Platte Society?
No. What matters is your decision to include Crane Trust in your plans, not the size of the gift.
Do I have to tell the Crane Trust about my plans?
No, but we hope you will. Letting us know helps us plan for the future and gives us a chance to thank you. If you’d rather stay anonymous, we’ll always honor that.
Can I change my mind later?
Yes. A bequest in your will or trust can be updated any time your circumstances change.
Will my information stay confidential?
Yes. Every conversation about your plans is treated as confidential, and you decide how, or whether, you’re recognized publicly.
Can I direct my gift toward a specific program?
Yes. Many donors choose to support a specific part of our work, such as habitat restoration or research. Let our team know what matters most to you.
What are the tax benefits of a planned gift?
They vary depending on the type of gift and your personal situation. Your attorney or financial advisor can help you understand what applies to you.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to these members of the Platte Society:
Diana Brandt
Karen and Ronald Case
Don and Lisa Cox
L & J Dawson
Dr. Johanna DeStefano
Jan and Tom Dougherty
RoxAnne and Kory Koenig
Margaret M. Kosiba
Resa and Steve Labossiere
Eric Lichtenthaler and Dixie Steven
Joy and James Marple
Diana Nevins
Shona Welle
Rebecca and Travis Williams
Jim Wilson
Dawn E. Wojcik