Legacy Giving

At COTA, we believe a legacy is more than just a gift—it’s a testament to your commitment to the outdoors and the future of mountain biking in Central Oregon. By including COTA in your estate plan, you’ll join a group of passionate supporters who ensure our mission endures for generations to come. No matter the size of the gift, your foresight will help preserve trails, protect open spaces, and promote stewardship far into the future.

What Is Legacy Giving?

Legacy giving (also known as planned giving) is a powerful way to support the causes you care about—without affecting your finances during your lifetime. A gift in your will or trust, or by designating COTA as a beneficiary of a retirement or investment account, can make a lasting difference for trail access, stewardship, and sustainability.

Getting started on your gift

We greatly appreciate your interest in supporting COTA. Below are several ways to make a gift that will have a meaningful impact on our ability to build and maintain trails in Central Oregon into the future.

Bequests: Specify a gift of any amount or percentage in your will or trust, or name Central Oregon Trail Alliance as a primary or contingent beneficiary.

Beneficiary Designations: Name Central Oregon Trail Alliance as a beneficiary on financial accounts, life insurance policies, or retirement accounts (such as a 401(k) or IRA).

Charitable Remainder Trusts: Allows you to receive income during your lifetime while leaving the remainder to COTA.

Charitable Gift Annuity: A way to make a gift to COTA, receive income for life, and be entitled to an income tax deduction.

Qualified Charitable Distribution: A QCD allows you to transfer funds directly from your IRA to a qualified charity, like COTA, without having to pay income taxes on the distribution. If you’re over 71 and must take an RMD, you can instruct your IRA custodian to direct your distribution directly to COTA.