As part of DLC’s Trade Lands program, we accept outright donations of land with and without conservation value, with the understanding that DLC will likely resell the property and apply the proceeds to help fund our conservation goals.  Donated land can be undeveloped (vacant land) or developed (residential properties, vacation homes, commercial buildings).  If the donated land has conservation value and if the property meets DLC’s conservation easement acceptance criteria, a conservation easement will likely be placed on the property at the time that it is sold.  If there is no demonstrable conservation value associated with the property, the property will be sold without a conservation easement.

DLC accepts both immediate outright donations of land as well as deferred donations. If you are interested in donating your land outright now or at a future time or retaining some rights during your lifetime, there are several options you can consider:

Fee donation of land.

If you wish to donate land to DLC at this time, DLC will assume ownership of property after the transfer is complete.  You would benefit by no longer having to pay property taxes and maintenance costs, eliminating any capital gains taxes for the transfer, as well as potentially qualifying for a charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value gift of the property.

A reserved life estate or remainder interest donation.

You can donate your property to DLC now while retaining the right for you or other identified persons to live on the property for a certain period of time. You can realize a proportionate income tax deduction based on the value of your retained interest in the land. DLC assumes the rights to the land only when you and the other identified persons pass away or legally release your interests in the land.

Bequest in a will.

You can live on your land for your lifetime and donate your property to DLC in your last will and testament. By making a “testamentary” donation, your heirs could potentially save on estate taxes.

A charitable gift annuity.

You can donate your land to DLC through a charitable gift annuity and receive regular payments during your lifetime from DLC. DLC would sell your land in order to generate a fund from which to draw annuity payments. These payments can also be made to your beneficiaries after your death.

A charitable remainder trust.

You can donate your land (potentially placing a conservation easement on it first) to DLC through a charitable remainder trust and receive an income deduction for the gift. The trust sells the land (with no capital gains tax levied on the sale) and the proceeds are invested. Beneficiaries will receive annual payments from the trust for a fixed term or for life, after which any remaining funds are turned over to DLC.

If you are interested in learning more about DLC’s Trade Lands Program, please contact us at (845) 677-3002.

This information does not constitute legal or tax advice and DLC strongly recommends that you discuss your land conservation options with legal and tax professionals.  

 Back To Previous Page