The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County advances the vision of the Forest Preserve District through philanthropic endeavors. Gifts from numerous individuals, companies and organizations help the Forest Preserve District carry out its mission of maintaining and sustaining nearly 26,000 acres, which include more than 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 30 lakes and six education centers.
We are grateful you're reflecting on the forest preserves and your experiences by connecting a gift to a preserve that's had an effect on you. We believe in the joy of giving. Let us help you make a contribution today or plan your giving objectives in the future.
Your generosity sustains DuPage forest preserves and inspires the work we do to make them extraordinary places to visit. A gift to the Friends of the Forest Preserve District is tax-deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Methods
Gifts of Cash
A gift of cash is the simplest, most convenient option and qualifies for the maximum allowable tax deduction. You can donate with your credit card, or with cash, check or credit. Call the development office at 630-871-6400 if you wish to make your donation over the phone.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Gifts of appreciated stocks and bonds allow you to deduct the current market value as a charitable deduction for the fair-market value of the stock.
Life Insurance
A gift of life insurance allows you to make a generous gift at relatively low cost. By designating the Friends as a beneficiary of your policy, you receive an immediate tax deduction and eliminate the proceeds of the policy from your estate. All premium payments thereafter will also be tax-deductible, subject to IRS limitations. You can also transfer ownership of a paid-up policy or donate your insurance policy dividends.
Matching Gifts
Some businesses match gifts from an employee or the employee's spouse, doubling or tripling the value of the donation. To maximize the benefit, check with your employer about matching-gift programs, and contact the Friends if you need any documentation.
Amazon Smile Foundation
Choose the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County as your beneficiary charity when you shop Amazon.com, and the Amazon Smile Foundation will contribute 0.5% of your purchase to the foundation.
Community Partners Program
This program is designed for individuals, organizations, clubs and businesses interested in giving back and enhancing the quality of life for all DuPage residents. Align your mission and values with recognition opportunities based on your level of generosity. Discover more at our Community Partners page.
With your tax-deductible donation of $100 or more, you'll become a part of the Friends' Ambassadors Circle, which offers recognition (if desired) and forest preserve experiences based on your level of support.
Ambassadors Circle Levels
Friend $100 – $249
Guardian $250 – $499
Steward $500 – $1,999
Benefactor $2,000 – $3,499
Visionary $3,500 – $4,999
The Friends accepts financial and in-kind donations from individuals, corporations and groups that support DuPage forest preserves, programs and projects. For a complete listing of our annual donors and completed projects, view our recent annual report.
The Friends invites you to leave your own meaningful mark on the DuPage forest preserves by including the foundation in your will. You can change your bequest or trust designation at any time.
If you are interested in a planned gift, we'd advise you to speak to your personal tax and financial advisor and potentially your legal counsel about its benefits. You may also contact the Forest Preserve District's partnership and philanthropy office at 630-871-6400.
Planning Ahead
Gifts by Will or Bequest
Gifts by will or bequest are not subject to estate or inheritance taxes, so you can ensure your testamentary gift will have the maximum benefit for the forest preserves. You can contribute a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your assets or the remainder of your estate.
Gifts from Retirement Plans
Consider naming the Friends as a beneficiary of your IRA or other retirement plan. If you are of a certain age and do not need your entire IRA income, you can take advantage of the charitable rollover provision, which allows annual tax-free charitable gifts of up to $100,000 per person directly from qualified IRAs. The distributions will count toward your annual required minimum, but you will not be taxed for the income you transfer, which can help lower the amount you own in taxes.
Establishing an Endowment
By establishing an endowment, you can be assured your charitable intentions will be followed for generations to come. Distributions from this type of permanent fund can provide substantial annual support for DuPage forest preserves in perpetuity.
Contact the Forest Preserve District’s partnership and philanthropy office at 630-871-6400 or fundraising@dupageforest.org.
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Ace Hardware
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Daniel Hebreard and Family
Rice Lake Square
J Umlauf Design LLC
Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2018 (PDF)
Annual Report 2017 (PDF)
Annual Report 2016 (PDF)
990 Report 2020 (PDF)
990 Report 2019 (PDF)
990 Report 2018 (PDF)
990 Report 2017 (PDF)
Celebrate wild areas and wildlife in DuPage at a Night for Nature on Sept. 15 at St. James Farm.
Adopt a Turtle Form (PDF)
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
Visitor Services
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturdays through Aug. 27
(except July 2)
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Phone: 630-933-7200
Email: forest@dupageforest.org
Police: 630-933-7240
Email: police@dupageforest.org
Contact Our Board
Help keep our forest preserves beautiful and safe places. If you have a concern, let us know.
