The Wetlands Institute

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

The Tidepool Shop:

The Tidepool Shop is a retail store within a publicly supported not for profit organization, which means your purchase helps us continue our important work. The Wetlands Institute, like most museums and nature centers, operates a museum shop. What first began as a single table with a few selections of books expanded in 1990 after a generous memorial donation in the name of William Millar. The Tidepool Shop specializes in * nature books for both adults and children * identification guides, and * books on a variety of environmental issues. We carry * gifts with a nature theme, items that emphasize sustainability, and * Tee shirts with our exclusive designs often created by our very own staff members. The shop was initiated as another means of supporting and reflecting the Institute’s mission, and continues today to have a significant part of the general operating budget. Merchandise is cataloged within these collections: * Apparel * Bath & Body * Books & Media * Original Art * Jewelry & Ornaments * Magnets & Signs * Totes & Bags, and * Toys, Games & Curios.

Support The Wetlands Institute… by simply purchasing your specialty merchandise here:

https://tidepool-shop.myshopify.com/

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

The Wetlands Institute depends on your generosity to continue offering our visitors and friends excellent programs in coastal and wetland ecosystem conservation and education. Support from members enables Institute staff to conduct important research to inform conservation efforts to protect and enhance our coastal and wetland ecosystems, fisheries, and barrier islands. Your involvement supports essential conservation efforts and education programs spanning the range from youth to senior.

Membership

Member generosity supports exhibits, education programs, summer camps, lectures and demonstrations, specialized training for tomorrow’s scientists, and research and conservation programs. Help us grow by making an investment in our work. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible. There are options for every budget!  Membership at specified levels is offered: * Individual * Family * Friend * Terrapin * Osprey * Skimmer * Tower Lifetime Individual, and * Tower Lifetime for Two.

Donation

Annual Giving Program: The Annual Giving Program at the Wetlands Institute provides a vital source of unrestricted income to support every facet of the Institute’s activities, from our education programs, onsite and at local schools, to our Outreach Programs offered throughout the region, to maintaining and expanding the Coastal Conservation Research and Conservation program, to providing year-round lecture programs and exhibits.

• Donations at specified amounts are designated or you may customize your gift. Recurring donations are greatly welcomed. You may dedicate your gift to support what means the most to you — such as efforts within Areas of Greatest Need, Education, Conservation, and Research.

Planned Giving: The Herbert Mills Legacy Society was established by leading members of the Board of Trustees to create a living legacy of support for The Wetlands Institute. You can also help ensure that future generations are able to experience the Wetlands Institute and the coastal and wetland ecosystems we depend on through a planned gift.

• Gifts of Cash: A gift of cash is a simple and easy way for you to make a gift. You will receive a charitable tax deduction that will provide you with savings on this year’s tax return.
• Gifts of Stocks and Bonds: A gift of appreciated securities (such as stock, bonds, and mutual funds), is an easy way for you to make a gift. By making a gift of your appreciated securities, you can avoid paying capital gains tax that would otherwise be due if you sold these assets.
• Gift of Retirement Plan: Many donors have found it desirable and advantageous to use their retirement plans for charitable giving purposes. If you plan to leave to your children the assets that you’ve spent a lifetime building up in a retirement plan, such as an IRA or Section 401(k) and 403(b) plans, you should be aware that those assets may be subject to double taxation first through the donor’s estate tax, and then through the beneficiaries’ income tax. Estate and income taxes may well amount to up to 70 percent of the assets in the plan, thus leaving only 30 percent to your children.
• Gifts of Life Insurance: If your life insurance policy is no longer needed or will no longer benefit your survivors, a gift of your life insurance policy is an excellent way to make a gift to The Wetlands Institute and make a bigger impact than you ever thought you could in any given year. You can name the Institute as a beneficiary or owner and claim an income tax deduction.
• Real Estate: A gift of your real property (such as your home, vacation property, vacant land, farmland or ranch, or commercial property) can make a great gift. If you own appreciated real property, you can avoid paying capital gains tax by making a gift to The Wetlands Institute.
• Bequests: A bequest is one of the simplest ways to support The Wetlands Institute. These thoughtful gifts ensure that The Wetlands Institute can continue to protect our New Jersey wetlands and waters and those who are impacted by the environment you care about for future generations. You can leave a specific amount, a percentage or the balance remaining in your estate after taxes, expenses and specific bequests have been paid. If you have already made a bequest for the future of The Wetlands Institute, please let us know your plans so we can thank you and welcome you to the Herbert Mills Legacy Society!
• Charitable Remainder or Lead Trusts: You can place assets in a trust that pays annual income to you (or another named beneficiary) for life. After your lifetime or a term of years, the remainder of the trust can be transferred to The Wetlands Institute. Benefits can include capital gains tax avoidance, reduced income taxes and provisions for your loved ones.

Corporate Partners and Opportunities: Corporations have a long tradition of investing in their local communities and in projects and programs that further their missions and values. We recognize that economic changes have caused companies to seek multi-faceted partnerships that benefit the community and help market their products or services to a specific audience. Strategic philanthropy is at the heart of The Wetlands Institute’s corporate partner program. We work closely with our sponsors to build partnerships that provide valuable benefits to the environment and conservation, while increasing a company’s visibility with key constituents and meeting corporate sustainability goals through employee volunteer opportunities.

Other Partnership Opportunities: * Institutional Sponsorships: Enhance your reputation as an organization committed to the community and environment or show your personal support. Get comprehensive and year-round exposure with a combination of face-to-face, print and digital approaches highlighting your company or honoring you. Enjoy complimentary tickets to our Donor Recognition cocktail reception and open house. * Premier Event Sponsorship: The Wetlands Institute’s most prestigious event and largest fundraiser of the year brings together over 300 esteemed donors, community partners, local homeowners and their guests. * Event Sponsorships: Our special events are unique, fun, memorable and a great way to increase your brand recognition or show your support among local and visiting consumers.

Volunteer: Looking for a Way to Share Your Talents?  Volunteering at The Wetlands Institute covers a variety of tasks including * assistance with aquarium care * working in public education and outreach * answering the phones and administrative work * greeting and interacting with visitors * special events staffing * research and conservation project assistance, and * much more! The Institute volunteer program has three levels based on the commitment you feel you can give to The Wetlands Institute. None of what we accomplish every day would be possible without the dedication of our wonderful volunteers!

Support the The Wetlands Institute… by simply  joining, giving, or volunteering here:

https://wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/help-us-grow/