The Madrona Circle: Your Legacy. Camp’s Future.
Planting Seeds for Generations to Come.
Like the Pacific madrona tree that lines the shores of Johns, with its distinctive peeling bark that reveals vibrant new growth, legacy gifts ensure Camp's transformation and renewal for generations to come. The madrona thrives through resilience and deep connections: its roots intertwine with native plants through underground ecosystems that help it flourish even in challenging conditions.
Just as madronas protect against erosion on our shores, planned gifts create an enduring foundation that supports Camp's future, connecting today's community with tomorrow's campers.
Ways to Give
There are many ways to include Camp Nor'wester in your estate plans. Each option offers unique benefits and flexibility to match your financial situation and philanthropic goals. Contact a qualified financial advisor to discuss your options and determine which path is best for you.
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The most common and flexible planned gift. Simply include Camp Nor'wester in your will or living trust with a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate, or remainder after other bequests. You retain full control of your assets during your lifetime and can modify your bequest if circumstances change.
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Name Camp Nor'wester as a beneficiary (in whole or in part) of your retirement account, life insurance policy, bank account, or investment account. This simple approach often bypasses probate, ensuring your gift reaches camp quickly and efficiently.
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With a Gift Annuity, make a gift to camp and receive fixed income payments for life. A portion of your gift provides you with reliable income, while the remainder supports camp's future.
Through a Charitable Remainder Trust, transfer assets into a trust that pays income to you or your beneficiaries for a set term or lifetime, with the remainder going to Camp Nor'wester.
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An IRA provision allows retirees age 70 ½ years or older to reduce their taxable income by donating up to a certain amount tax-free from their IRA each year to a qualified charity. Talk to your tax advisor about making a gift through your IRA.
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Many other creative giving options exist, including charitable lead trusts, IRA qualified charitable distributions, and gifts of real estate, stocks, or other appreciated assets. Our team is happy to work with you and your advisors to design a giving plan that meets your unique goals.
Common Questions About Planned Giving
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No. While you're welcome to designate a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate, it's not required. You may choose to give a percentage of your estate or the remainder after other bequests are fulfilled. This flexibility allows your gift to grow with your estate and adjust to changing circumstances. What matters most to us is knowing of your intention so we can properly steward your future gift and keep you connected to camp's progress.
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Yes, absolutely. While we love to recognize and celebrate our Madrona Circle members publicly (with your permission), we completely respect your desire for privacy. You can choose to remain anonymous in all publications and communications. However, we do ask that you notify us of your plans confidentially so we can thank you personally, ensure your wishes are properly documented, and keep you informed about Nor’wester's future.
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Life changes, and your estate plans should have the flexibility to change with it. Unlike an outright gift, a planned gift through your estate allows you to modify or revoke your commitment if your financial situation, family needs, or priorities shift. We understand that your family comes first. Simply update your will, trust, or beneficiary designations as needed. We hope that you let us know if your plans change so we can update our records accordingly.
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Complete our confidential Madrona Circle Gift Notification Form, contact us at development@norwester.org , or send us a letter sharing your intentions. You don't need to disclose the amount—just let us know you've included Camp Nor'wester in your estate plans. This allows us to properly thank you, include you in Madrona Circle communications and events, and ensure we understand any specific wishes you have for your gift.
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We encourage you to consider an unrestricted gift, which provides camp's leadership with the flexibility to address the most pressing needs and opportunities as they arise in the future. However, you can designate your gift for a specific purpose such as financial aid, facility improvements, or program support, or staff development. Rest assured that camp leadership will honor your stated wishes for the use of your gift, whether restricted or expressed as a preference in your will or to a staff or board member.
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IAbsolutely! Many Madrona Circle members are also annual donors, volunteers, and active participants in camp life. Planned giving and current giving serve different purposes: your annual gifts support today's campers and programs, while your legacy gift ensures camp's sustainability for future generations. Both are valuable, and you should give in whatever way feels right for your current circumstances.
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Please contact us before including any non-cash assets (real estate, vehicles, boats, equipment, collections, cryptocurrency, etc.) in your bequest to Camp Nor'wester. We're grateful for your generosity and not all physical gifts align with Camp's mission or capacity. A boat we can't use or property we can't maintain may incur costs, rather than benefit camp.
A brief conversation with our Community Engagement Director or Executive Director ensures your gift will truly benefit camp. In many cases, liquidating the asset and donating proceeds—or giving us flexibility to sell it—provides far greater value. Let's work together to structure a legacy gift that makes a real impact. -
Thank you! We'd love to know so we can express our gratitude and include you in the Madrona Circle. Please let us know by completing our notification form or contacting us directly at development@norwester.org.
Deep Roots. Lasting Impact.
With gratitude, we recognize these community members who have included Camp Nor'wester in their estate plans:
Megan Coughlin
Elizabeth Swindells Hulsey
We also honor those members who have chosen to remain anonymous.