Some gifts take flight long after we’re gone.
Join a community of bird lovers who have chosen to extend their care for Maine’s wild birds — and for Avian Haven’s mission — into the future.
Our legacy society
What is the Wings Forward Legacy Circle?
The Wings Forward Legacy Circle is Avian Haven’s community of donors who have chosen to make a lasting gift — one that will protect and care for Maine’s wild birds long into the future.
Membership is open to anyone who has included Avian Haven in their estate plans, at any level and in any form. There are no fees, no minimums, and no public commitment required. A legacy gift is a private and personal decision, and we will always honor that.
What you’ll receive as a member is our deepest gratitude, meaningful mission updates about the birds your gift will one day protect, and an invitation to the behind-the-scenes life of Avian Haven — the releases, the milestones, the stories of birds who made it home.
Membership benefits
What Legacy Circle members receive
A personal welcome A heartfelt note from us, acknowledging your extraordinary commitment.
Insider mission updates Not asks — stories. Patient milestones, rare species releases, facility news. The things that remind you why your gift matters.
Behind-the-scenes access Invitations to facility visits and small gatherings where you can meet the team and see the work your legacy will sustain.
Optional recognition If you wish, recognition in our annual report and on our website as a Wings Forward Legacy Circle member.
Ways to give
Gifts that cost nothing in your lifetime
Planned giving takes many forms. Most carry meaningful tax advantages — and many require nothing more than updating a form or adding a paragraph to an existing document.
Bequest in your will or trust (Most common) A provision naming Avian Haven in your will or living trust. Can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or what remains after other bequests are fulfilled. Our planned giving website includes suggested language ready to share with your attorney.
Beneficiary designation (No attorney needed) Name Avian Haven as a beneficiary on a retirement account (IRA, 401k) or life insurance policy. These assets transfer directly, outside your estate, with no legal drafting required — just a form update with your plan administrator.
Qualified charitable distribution (QCD) (Tax-smart giving) If you’re 70½ or older, you can direct up to $111,000 per year directly from your IRA to Avian Haven. The gift counts toward your required minimum distribution and is excluded from your taxable income — often the most tax-efficient gift available.
Gift of appreciated securities (Avoid capital gains) Donating stock you’ve held for more than a year lets you give the full market value, avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation, and claim a charitable deduction — all at once.
Explore all planned giving options Our dedicated planned giving website includes bequest language, an estate planning guide, gift type information, and resources to share with your financial advisor or attorney.
“The Wings Forward Legacy Circle represents something we’ve long hoped to offer our most committed donors: a way to make their love of birds truly permanent. Every legacy gift we receive — of any size — tells us that someone believed in this mission deeply enough to carry it forward. That changes what’s possible for the birds of Maine.”
— Paula Crossfield, Avian Haven’s Director of Communications and Development
Join the circle
Have you remembered Avian Haven in your estate planning?
If you’ve already included Avian Haven in your estate plans, we’d be honored to welcome you into the Wings Forward Legacy Circle. You don’t need to share the details of your gift — just letting us know is enough.
Let us know. Fill out the short form here and we’ll be in touch with a personal welcome. All information is kept strictly confidential.
Your information will never be shared or sold. This notification does not create a legal obligation. You may update or revoke your estate plans at any time.
Questions?
We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re ready to join the Wings Forward Legacy Circle, exploring your options, or simply curious about planned giving, please reach out. There’s no ask here — just a conversation about what matters to you.
Paula Crossfield
Director of Communications and Development
917-297-9458
Avian Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 01-0529491) based in Freedom, Maine, rehabilitating approximately 3,000 birds each year. All charitable gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We encourage you to consult your attorney or financial advisor regarding your estate plans.