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 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 master plan projects and initiatives, 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.
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.
Ace Hardware
The Conservation Foundation
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Galusha Farm
Daniel Hebreard and Family
Red Oak Disposal Services
Rice Lake Square
Stantec
J Umlauf Design LLC
Wheaton Lions Club
Wight & Company
Friends Meeting Dates 2023 (PDF)
Friends Meeting 01-24-23 (PDF)
Friends Meeting 07-26-22 (PDF)
Friends Meeting 09-27-22 (PDF)
Friends Meeting 11-15-22 (PDF)
Friends Annual Reports
Annual Report 2021
Annual Report 2019
990 Report 2021 (PDF)
990 Report 2020 (PDF)
990 Report 2019 (PDF)
2021 Year in Review (PDF)
2022 Forest Preserve District Highlights (PDF)
Friends' Calendar 2023 (PDF)
Make your gift online, or complete and return your adoption form with donation.
Adopt a Turtle Form (PDF)
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630-933-7200
forest@dupageforest.org
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Forest Preserve District is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Contact 630-933-7683 or TTY 800-526-0857.