Leave a Lasting Legacy as a member of our Valley Oak Society

Building a foundation of legacy supporters is vital to Sonoma Ecology Center’s future, as it will provide the footing needed to grow and thrive for generations to come. You can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our Valley by including Sonoma Ecology Center in your estate plans, and joining our Valley Oak Society.

With your philanthropic investment, you will help ensure that Sonoma Valley is preserved and protected for generations to come.

The beauty of legacy gifts is it’s affordable for everyone. An allocation of even 5% can make a tangible difference in the health and future of our organization. It’s easier than you might think!

With these simple words added to your will or trust, you can become a part of Sonoma Ecology Center’s Valley Oak Society and gain the confidence that your efforts will continue to preserve and protect our magnificent Valley—and our connection with it—long into the future:

“I give to Sonoma Ecology Center _______ % of my estate, or the sum of $ _________ to be used by Sonoma Ecology Center.”

To learn more about making a legacy gift to secure Sonoma Ecology Center’s future, to set up a confidential appointment, or simply to let us know that you have named Sonoma Ecology Center in your estate plan, please contact Tiffany Wing, Associate Director and Development Director at tiffany@sonomaecologycenter or 707.363.0010‬.

This year those age 70 ½ and older may want to consider making a meaningful, tax-efficient gift to Sonoma Ecology Center using funds from their traditional or Roth IRA. With this way of giving you can:

• Make tax-free gifts each year from your IRA withdrawals by having a portion transferred directly to SEC (up to $100,000 per year for an individual; $200,000 per couple with separate IRAs).

• Use your Required Minimum Distribution for you gift to avoid taxes on the transfer of funds.

• Avoid increasing your adjusted gross income and potentially subjecting your Social Security income to a higher level of taxation by giving directly from your IRA.

• Provide a generous gift to SEC.

Please contact Tiffany Wing, Development Director at tiffany@sonomaecologycenter.org if we can provide more information to you or your advisors.

Here are step-by-step instructions to help you take advantage of this gift planning opportunity:

Give your broker the following information to transfer a gift of stock to the Sonoma Ecology Center:

1. The Sonoma Ecology Center’s brokerage account is with Charles Schwab Co. Inc. DTC Clearing Number: 0164, Code 40.

2. The Sonoma Ecology Center’s account number is 5655-2785.

Before the gift is made, please notify Tiffany Wing, Development Director, at (707) 363-0010 or tiffany@sonomaecologycenter.org with the name of the stock and the number of shares being transferred. This ensures the gift is properly credited and acknowledged.

When Sonoma Ecology Center receives a stock gift, our policy is to sell the stock as near as possible to the date of the gift.

At Sonoma Ecology Center, we believe that strong partnerships create lasting impact. By becoming a Business Partner, your company will help protect and restore Sonoma Valley’s land, water, and biodiversity, while ensuring equitable access to nature for all.

As a Business Partner, you will: 

✔ Lead by example—showcase your commitment to conservation, sustainability, and climate resilience.

✔ Inspire engagement—connect your employees and customers with meaningful ways to care about the community.

✔ Boost your brand—gain high-visibility recognition through our events, communications, and outreach.

✔ Create lasting impact—directly contribute to the health and resilience of Sonoma Valley’s environment and community.

LEARN MORE

Other Ways to Get Involved

Sponsor an Event or Program—Support signature programs like the Headwaters to Headwaters Hike, Harvest Festival, Senderos Naturales, and Capstone Campouts for local youth. Corporate Volunteering—Engage your team in hands-on conservation projects at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and beyond.

Join Us Today!

By partnering with Sonoma Ecology Center, you’re investing in a healthy, sustainable future for Sonoma Valley. Let’s work together to protect this special place for generations to come.

Contact Amanda Hubbard at amanda@sonomaecologycenter.org to discuss how we can tailor a partnership that aligns with your company’s values and goals.

Sonoma Ecology Center is a beneficiary of Sports Basement, with store locations in Sonoma County, the Bay Area, and Southern California. When you shop at Sports Basement and select Sonoma Ecology Center as the beneficiary, you will receive 10% off your purchase and Sonoma Ecology Center will receive 10% of the profits to fund our work.

How it works

1. If you’re new to Sports Basement’s Basementeer program, join Sports Basement’s Basementeers and select Sonoma Ecology Center from the drop down menu. It costs a one-time fee of $25 to join.

   JOIN BASEMENTEERS AS A FIRST-TIMER
   

2. If you’re a current Basementeer member, update your account to select Sonoma Ecology Center under “Favorite Charity or School.”

   ADD SONOMA ECOLOGY CENTER AS A BENEFICIARY AS A CURRENT BASMENTEER MEMBER
   

3. Shop at Sports Basement and enjoy 10% off!