Harpswell’s history is inscribed upon its beloved land and sea – its shimmering islands and bays, timeless spruce forests and bogs, and whispering coves and saltwater farms. Healthy fisheries and verdant landscapes are vital to our town’s economy and our culture. Deer, migratory birds and shellfish depend upon our forests, fields and wetlands. Lifelong residents and newcomers enjoy the scenic beauty and small-town atmosphere that make Harpswell unique. The natural and cultural landscapes that define our town are the keys to its future as a home, a source of livelihood and a place to visit. Protecting Harpswell’s heritage is a timeless responsibility we all share.

Forever is a Long Time

When Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) conserves the natural beauty and character of Harpswell, we make a commitment to protect and steward those lands and buildings forever. Forever is a long time. There are many ways you can support conservation of Harpswell’s special places. One way to make a difference is through a legacy gift to HHLT’s Forever Fund. Your gift leaves a lasting legacy for our descendants, sustains continued conservation and stewardship of Harpswell’s special places, supports education for people of all ages and ensures that HHLT remains a highly effective organization now and in the future.

Choices for Giving

Gifts Within Your Lifetime

Cash Gifts may be treated as charitable deductions for tax purposes in the year the gift is made. Larger gifts can be deducted over several years. HHLT is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities can yield an enhanced tax benefit to donors. The full market value of the securities on the date of the gift may be used for income tax purposes. Such gifts may allow the donor to avoid capital gains taxes that would result from a sale on the open market.

Charitable Gift Annuities can provide an immediate tax deduction and an income stream for life for the donor, with the residual amount benefiting HHLT.
Charitable Gift Trusts can provide an immediate tax deduction for the donor and an annual income stream for HHLT.

Gifts of Land for Conservation allow the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation to be considered in defining the charitable contribution. This may also avoid capital gains taxes that would result from a sale on the open market.

Gifts of Other Land that can be sold or traded by HHLT to further our conservation work. If some of the land has conservation value, HHLT may place an easement upon it before selling or trading it.

Donating Personal Property such as autos, boats or art work during your lifetime or in your will may offer income and estate tax advantages.

Gifts From Your Estate

Cash, Securities, Real Estate and Property Bequests may be made to HHLT through properly constructed wills.

If a donor names HHLT as both owner and beneficiary on a Life Insurance Policy, the premiums are tax deductible as charitable contributions and HHLT will receive the full value of the policy upon the donor’s death.

Designating HHLT as the Beneficiary of an IRA, Keogh or Other Qualified Retirement Plan may avoid both estate taxes and income taxes.

Please remember: When creating a new will, changing your will or making direct gifts of assets or property to HHLT, you are advised to consult an attorney, estate planner and/or your financial advisor.  HHLT is not equipped to provide donors with professional advice in these matters.

HHLT’s EIN is: 22-2552116

Bob Weggel: Trail-Builder, Philanthropist

According to Bob Weggel, his voting address may be in Massachusetts but he lives in Harpswell. Since 1981, Bob has enjoyed the peace and tranquility he experiences upon arriving here from suburban Boston, where he lives and works with his wife, Diane.

In his professional life, Bob designs magnets, being named in the Guinness Book of World Records in the 1980s. Now semi-retired, he revels in the outdoors. In Harpswell and elsewhere, he volunteers to build and maintain trails. If you have walked the Wilson’s Cove Trail, you have enjoyed his multitude of rock steps, stepping stones, gravel causeways and bog bridges. Asked why he does this work, Bob says with a big smile that he loves this community.

Bob recently decided to do more for Harpswell through the new Robert J. Weggel Fund. By contributing to this fund and also naming it as beneficiary on retirement accounts, Bob creates a legacy for future generations. The fund provides income for HHLT’s work and provides critical bridge financing to help HHLT act quickly to protect Harpswell’s special places.

HHLT is foremost among many conservation organizations in earning Bob’s respect and admiration because of its effectiveness preserving his beloved summertime Paradise on Earth. He finds it immensely satisfying that even relatively modest contributions can make a difference in the work of a small organization and will be used to protect a place he cherishes for current and future generations.