When it comes to making a difference, sometimes the greatest impact starts with what you already have. For many families, land isn’t just property — it’s a living legacy, a place where memories are made and values are passed down. More and more, people are discovering how their real estate can become a powerful tool for conservation and giving back.
One family, stewards of a cherished stretch of land, faced a challenge familiar to many: how to honor their heritage while addressing environmental concerns in their community. Their property, situated between farmland and a sensitive waterway, had long been affected by nutrient runoff and declining water quality. Instead of accepting the status quo, they saw an opportunity to restore balance.
Working with their advisors, the family developed a plan to transform their land into a thriving wetland. The plan was thoughtful and flexible — a phased sale supported by environmental grants, with proceeds directed into a donor-advised fund to fuel ongoing conservation. And, should the project not succeed within a set time frame, the family could reacquire the land, helping ensure their legacy remained intact.
“It was important to create a plan that honored the family’s history while providing flexibility for the future,” says Colby Winzer, senior specialty asset advisory specialist at Wealth & Investment Management, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
“There’s a misnomer in philanthropy that cash is king,” says Stephanie Buckley, head of Philanthropic Services at Wealth & Investment Management, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. “In reality, giving long-term appreciated assets like real estate can be a powerful way to support an organization or cause.”
Whether you’re interested in preserving open space, supporting local agriculture, or restoring wildlife habitat, your land may hold unique potential. With the right guidance, you may be able to unlock opportunities that benefit the environment, strengthen your community, and create a lasting legacy for your family.
The impact of real estate philanthropy extends far beyond a single project or asset class. While land and real estate are often at the heart of conservation philanthropy, you can also make a difference with other specialty assets:
Donate business interests to fund community programs.
Gift artwork or collectibles to museums or educational institutions.
Contribute appreciated securities or personal property to support causes you care about.
The decision to use your land or other assets for conservation is deeply personal — and the possibilities are as unique as your story. Whether you’re inspired to restore a wetland, protect open space, or support a cause close to your heart, your actions can ripple outward, shaping communities and landscapes for years to come.
“Many people have a heart to do good with what they’ve built,” said Winzer. “With the right guidance, your land can become a living legacy — benefiting your family, your community, and the environment for years to come.”
Don’t have an advisor?
Wells Fargo Trust is a part of WIM and offers services through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A.
Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed.
Donations are irrevocable charitable gifts. The sponsoring organizations maintaining the fund have ultimate control over how the assets in the fund accounts are invested and distributed. Donor Advised Fund donors do not receive investment returns. The amount ultimately available to the Donor to make grant recommendations may be more or less than the Donor contributions to the Donor Advised Fund. While annual giving is encouraged, the Donor Advised Fund should be viewed as a long-term philanthropic program. Tax benefits depend upon your individual circumstances. You should consult your Tax Advisor. While the operations of the Donor Advised Fund and Pooled Income Funds are regulated by the Internal Revenue Service, they are not guaranteed or insured by the United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. Contributions are not insured by the FDIC and are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository institution. Donor Advised Funds are not registered under federal securities laws, pursuant to exemptions for charitable organizations.
