Appreciated Stock

Gifting long-term appreciated securities (held more than one year) can offer valuable tax advantages. Donors may be able to claim a fair market value deduction and potentially avoid capital gains tax on appreciation. It is recommended to begin transfers prior to December 20 to ensure timely completion.

If you’re considering a stock gift, BACT can provide transfer instructions or work directly with you and your advisors.

Giving from Your IRA (Qualified Charitable Distributions)

If you are age 70½ or older, you may give up to $108,000 (2025 limit) directly from your IRA to a qualified charity like BACT as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCDs can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) if one is due, and they may reduce taxable income.

To count for the 2025 tax year, the funds must leave your IRA and clear the account by December 31. Wire transfers should be initiated no later than December 27, depending on your custodian’s schedule.

These gifts must be made directly through your IRA custodian.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

If you have a Donor-Advised Fund, contributions made to the fund by December 31 may be tax-deductible this year, even if grants to BACT are issued later. Processing times vary, so initiate grant recommendations early.

Please note: the charitable deduction applies when funds are contributed to the DAF, not when grants are made to nonprofits.

While charitable giving rules remain stable for 2025, tax changes are expected in 2026. High-income earners may find it beneficial to maximize 2025 deduction limits or consider “bundling” multiple years’ contributions into 2025. Your tax advisor can provide personalized guidance.

No matter how you choose to give, thoughtful year-end planning can help you meet your long-term goals while making a meaningful impact today. Many donors also explore planned gifts as a way to leave a lasting conservation legacy for future generations.

For more information on any of these giving options, please contact BACT’s Development Office at [email protected] or call (847) 387-3149.

The past year has shown what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose. Your support has strengthened our preserves, advanced restoration efforts, and inspired the next generation of conservation leaders. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to Preserve, Restore, Inspire.

This year brought meaningful progress in our work to Preserve the Barrington area’s natural heritage. BACT advanced two new conservation easements and a conservation easement amendment that strengthens our long-standing partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. We also established The Founders Fund, a long-term sustainability vehicle designed to support land preservation, ecological restoration, and environmental education for generations to come. Created to honor BACT’s founders and guided by our mission to Preserve, Restore, Inspire, the Fund ensures that our community’s rare and exceptional open spaces remain protected well into the future.

For more information, please contact Melissa Kinast, Executive Director, at [email protected].

2025 has been an important year for BACT’s restoration work, made possible in part by an anonymous gift that expanded our capacity- thank you!

Highlights include the extension of the Richard Lamkey Nature Walking Path at Mondschine Preserve, enhancing access through the oak woodland.

Phase 1 restoration at The Brother’s Preserve, which included extensive invasive tree removal and the reopening of the bridle path to reconnect key areas of the Riding Club of Barrington Hills.

Ecological burns were completed at Katie’s Marsh, with burns at Rieke, Pederson, and Far Field Preserves occurring as weather allows.

Our multi-year management plans continue across all preserves, with a record amount of work completed in-house and with the support of dedicated volunteers.

For more information, please contact Melissa Kinast, Executive Director, at [email protected].

In 2025, BACT expanded its work to engage students, volunteers, and community partners in hands-on conservation learning and leadership.

Youth Engagement & Education

Our long-standing partnership with District 220 horticulture continued to thrive as students grew native plants in the greenhouse for Earth Day. Hearing students say, “this is my favorite day of the year,” speaks to the impact of this collaboration. Work also continued to revitalize Monarch Waystations at schools and civic sites, giving students and community groups a meaningful role in supporting pollinator habitat.

Leadership Development

This year marked the launch of BACT’s summer internship program, with planned expansion in 2026 (inquiries: [email protected]). Development is also underway for a Youth Advisory Board, designed to nurture conservation leadership and involve students directly in shaping future BACT initiatives (inquiries: [email protected]).

Community Partnerships

BACT hosted an Oak-Toberfest planting workshop and workday, bringing families and volunteers together in support of local restoration. Throughout the year, we were joined by Scouts, after-school clubs, Rotary members, and corporate volunteer teams, whose service and enthusiasm strengthened programs across all preserves.