Volume 4, Number 1

January 2004

The

Insider

THE MANY WAYS TO GIVE -- AND RECEIVE TAX BENEFITS, TOO!

Personal Property Thanks to Our Supporters Many people have donated a variety of personal propAs our 15th Anniversary year comes to a close, we want to erty to Greenspace over the years including works of art, jewtake this opportunity to thank supporters like you who have made elry, books, furniture, automobiles, and time-shares. Selling a our existence possible. With your help, we have successfully com- used vehicle is nearly always an aggravation. By donating it to pleted a variety of projects and programs to help the community. us you get a nice tax benefit and we take care of the fuss of Since its inception, Greenspace has set aside nearly $2 dealing with the sale. million of formerly developable property for conservation, his- Bequests toric, and scenic purposes for the enjoyment of the community. Greenspace can be remembered in wills and trusts with We have promoted the preservation of Cambrias history with gifts of cash or property. This will allow us to the protection of the Chinese Association Hall expand our programs into new and exciting aron Center Street, which includes nearly 2 acres eas. You may leave an unrestricted bequest or Greenspace of open space, and the continuing acquisition you may specify which Greenspace project you Mission Statement of the Chumash Village site on Wales Triangle. want to support. We are always available to Your financial contributions, along talk confidentially to you about your wishes. with grants and partnerships from various The North Coast of San Luis Charitable Remainder Trusts and Undivided agencies, have allowed us to collect nearly Obispo County is a national Partial Interest 100,000 pine seed, grow nearly 3,000 seedtreasure. Greenspace will Highly appreciated assets, including proplings, construct a greenhouse and develop our protect and enhance its erty, stocks or even art and antiques, can be Reforestation and Inoculation Program, which ecological systems through placed in an irrevocable trust. The asset conis producing seedlings that are potentially reland acquisition and managetinues to provide income for life or, in the case sistant to pitch canker. ment, public education and of a house, a place to reside for you and/or your Santa Rosa Creek and the endanadvocacy beneficiaries for life. Ultimately the assets begered species that inhabit it have been on the come property of Greenspace. The tax advantop of our priority list since our inception. With tages are numerous but the more beneficiaries your support we have attempted to protect named the lower the tax savings. our creek through land acquisition, education and advocacy. Undivided partial interest is when you donate portions of a propWe have conducted workshops on CEQA, the Santa Rosa Creek erty over time until the entire property is owned by Greenspace. watershed, red-legged frogs and other creek related topics. The benefit is that you get the tax deduction spread over numerous Many of the above-mentioned programs are on-go- years and Greenspace protects the land. We have legal experts ing, and we are continually beginning new projects and pro- that will gladly answer questions on how this works. grams. Because of this, we are always looking for new and Pocket Parks and Forest Preserves innovative ways that our members can support the work we Supporters continue to donate parcels of property to do. Additionally, many of our members have inquired about Greenspace that are set aside as open space for the community. In different ways to contribute to Greenspace in addition to their this way, not only does the community get to enjoy more open membership dues. space but also the owners are relieved of their tax burden and also We have put together a sample of options that con- know that the property will be there for the community to enjoy. gress has passed into law that helps individuals and compa- Name A Park and Commemorative Benches nies assist in supporting the nonprofit sector of our economy. A wonderful way to honor a special person is purchasing Here are a few ideas for methods of supporting Greenspace, a commemorative bench on one of Greenspaces open spaces. your community land trust. Alternatively, there are pocket parks and forest preserves that can Stocks and Bonds be named for a loved one. Either of these options would be a gift Greenspace has been fortunate to receive stocks as that will continue to give for generations to come. gifts from various members. This is an easy way to donate to We hope that you will consider one of these donation opthe organization and will provide you with tax benefits without tions in 2004. It is very important that you check with any capital gains tax. Greenspace has set up a Brokerage Account that enables an easy transfer of these assets. Please call your tax advisors before making any of these suggested donations to be sure that these advantages the office for details.

will apply to you.

A Great Way To Give To Greenspace - Volunteer!

Seedling Program

Greenspace depends on its volunteers for many of the projects and programs. If you have a special interest in helping with our pocket parks, our Monterey pine program, Chinatown on Center Street, the Art Auction or any other program, please call the Greenspace office. Our volunteers are essential to our success. Please join us!

Creek Clean-Up Property Restoration

And Dont Forget To Renew Your Membership!

Your membership in Greenspace is one of the best ways to support our mission. We appreciate all of our members and their assistance and encouragement over the years. We hope that when you receive your renewal notice, you will take a moment to consider increasing your level of support. Not only is membership an important source of funding for Greenspace, it also demonstrates the commitment that Cambrians have for our mission and goals. We are proud to say that Greenspace has over 1200 members and we continue to grow.

Post Office Box 1505 Cambria, California 93428 (805) 927-2866 - Phone (805) 927-7530 - Fax e-mail: rick@GreenspaceCambria.org www.GreenspaceCambria.org

Special Events

Tree-Free Kenaf Paper U.S. Standard Rate PAID Permit No. 37 Cambria, CA 93428 Non-Profit Organization