Plant a gift that blooms forever
A living museum needs a living fund!
Wellfield Botanic Gardens operates entirely on private donations, memberships, earned revenue, and grants. Wellfield receives no public tax subsidy. The Community Foundation of Elkhart County holds Wellfield's endowments, providing a stable financial foundation that protects the Gardens from the uncertainty of any single year's income. When you contribute to the endowment, your original donation is kept forever, and the interest it earns is used to support Wellfield's mission over time.
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Bequest
Direct cash, securities, or property through your will or living trust. Can be a fixed amount, a percentage of your estate, or your residual estate designated to the Wellfield endowment.
Retirement Assets
Name Wellfield as a primary or contingent beneficiary on your IRA or 401(k). Since charities are not subject to income tax on these assets, this can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to give.
Life Insurance
Name Wellfield as beneficiary of an existing policy, transfer ownership, or purchase a new policy with Wellfield as owner and beneficiary and donate the premium payments.
Charitable Gift Annuity
Receive a fixed income stream for life while making a meaningful gift to the Gardens. Consult your legal or tax advisor for guidance on structuring this type of planned gift.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can make a QCD directly from your IRA to Wellfield. This gift may satisfy your RMD and is not included in your taxable income.
What endowment earnings support
Horticulture and Garden care year-round
Family-friendly community events
Art installations and collections
Education programs for all ages
Accessibility and visitor amenities
Share your plans with us!
If you have already included Wellfield in your estate plans, we would love to hear from you! We want to celebrate your generosity and thank you properly. If you prefer anonymity, we will always honor that. All details will remain strictly confidential.
The Wellfield Endowment Fund is held and managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. You may also contact them directly at (574) 295 - 8761 or visit inspiringgood.org to contribute or learn about planned giving options.