Why Give

The Columbia Gorge is like no place else on earth. 

You've seen it, felt it, been inspired by it. Maybe you've hiked it for years or just looked out at the view and gained a spiritual respite. Maybe you have taken family and friends to see the special places that make your heart sing. 

You can leave a lasting legacy.

By making a gift through your will or estate plan, you can help preserve the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge and inspire future generations to treasure and care for this unique place. Watch our video to learn how your legacy can make a difference.

You may direct your bequest to one of the following funds:
  • The Advancement Fund allows the board to direct support when and where it's needed most.
  • The Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust Fund helps develop relationships with owners of future conservation lands, and provides for the stewardship of the land we hold.
  • The Land Acquisition Fund is used to purchase properties and permanently preserve them.
  • The Youth Education Endowment Fund supports youth education programs to nurture future generations of Gorge stewards.
  • The Legal Fund provides for our all-important legal work.
  • The Nancy Russell Endowment Fund ensures the long-term operations of the organization.
Contact us for more information on these funds.

Bequests and planned gifts have ensured conservation success.

Bequests have helped Friends of the Columbia Gorge become one of the most effective conservation organizations in the Pacific Northwest and ensured a strong voice for Gorge conservation. Our first bequest, received in 1992, provided the seed money to create an endowment and ensure long-term funding. When Norman Yeon passed away in 2004, he left a large, unrestricted bequest that allowed Friends to start our land trust and build up our endowment. When Friends Founder Nancy Russell passed away in 2008, she left the organization over 800 acres of land and funds to purchase more land.

Other bequests have allowed us to add critical staff, improve technology and communications, and hire political experts (including a former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Interior) to advance our conservation efforts. Your bequest will ensure that the organization has the strength and flexibility to meet future challenges.