Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Ways to Make a Gift

Motivating individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation

Donate Online Gifts of Cash Membership Adopt-a-Raptor Gifts of Stock & Assets Corporate Matching Gifts Corporate Gifts & Sponsorships Commemorative Gifts Release a Rehabilitated Raptor Planned Giving Wish List Gift-in-Kind

Thank you for supporting the Vermont Institute of Natural Science!

Your contribution enables us to continue to provide an outstanding educational experience to young and old, locally and far afield and provides rehabilitation and care to hundreds of birds each year. Your contribution allows us to promote environmental field research that changes the way we view the world. Your generosity, support, and partnership with us makes a difference to every person we reach – thank you!

VINS is a non-profit 510c3 corporation, wholly supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, gifts, and grants. We will provide all donors with an acknowledgement letter, and donors will be listed in the VINS Annual Report.

Learn about our Projects and Services or make an online gift now.

Gifts of Cash
You are welcome to support VINS by writing a check or using a credit card on our secure web site or in person at the VINS Nature Center Store. You can also make a multi-year pledge in support of VINS. Please print the gift and pledge form to complete and return, and simply mail your gift to the address below.

You can also support VINS with an annual membership, by participating in our Adopt-A-Raptor Program, or by giving to a specific program or interest area that is important to you.

Gifts of Stock and Appreciated Assets
Donating stock or other appreciated assets can provide a donor with significant tax benefits. For information on how to transfer securities, please download our stock transfer instruction form or call Robyn Rost at VINS, (802) 359-5001 x229. We recommend you speak with your financial planner or tax advisor for more specific information on how a gift of appreciated assets can best benefit you.

Corporate Matching Gifts
Many companies offer Employee Matching Gift Programs that multiply your individual contribution. Please ask your personnel or benefits manager if your company has a matching gifts program and about the forms you need to submit to qualify.

Corporate Gifts and Sponsorships
VINS welcomes corporate support and offers a wide range of corporate sponsorship opportunities. Please contact Karina Olson at 802-359-5001 x246 for more information.

Commemorative Gifts
Celebrate all sorts of special occasions and holidays by making a gift in honor of someone you admire. This unique gift is ideal for birthdays, holidays, and weddings—or just about any occasion. You can also remember a loved one by making a special memorial contribution to VINS in his/her name. Memorials represent meaningful and thoughtful tributes. Please mail in your gift with a commemorative gift form or make a secure online gift.

Release a Rehabilitated Raptor
Ideal for weddings, anniversaries, memorial services, birthdays, or any public or private event. Proceeds support VINS' care, feeding and avian rehabilitation programs. For more information, please contact Allison Stark at 802-359-5001 x218.

Planned Giving: A Gift for Tomorrow
By including the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in your estate planning, you can support VINS while making a tax-wise gift for the future. A bequest is a simple statement in your will that directs a gift to VINS. The most common bequest is an unrestricted gift of a specified dollar amount or percentage of your residual estate. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you or your legal and financial advisors to help with the appropriate language.

You may also work with your financial and legal advisors and VINS to consider a variety of charitable trusts or life income plans. These plans often offer a noteworthy combination of tax benefits, an income stream for the donor and a future contribution to VINS.

A gift of retirement funds or life insurance can be made simply by naming VINS as the beneficiary of an existing or a new policy.

If you would like more information about making a planned gift to VINS, please contact Robyn Rost at 802-359-5001 x229.

To speak to a person in a designated area of VINS, please see our Staff Contact List.