There are many ways to support our work to protect Mono Lake for future generations and all donations to the Mono Lake Committee are tax-deductible. Our tax ID is 77-0051124.
Support the Mono Lake Committee
Monthly giving
Join the Guardians of the Lake and contribute a monthly sustaining gift to ensure that water keeps flowing down the creeks and that Mono Lake is restored.
Guardians receive a monthly letter from co-founder and Board Chair Sally Gaines with detailed information about the latest happenings at Mono Lake.
Gifts in memory and honor
Honor or remember a loved one with a special contribution. We can also help you celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or special date with a one-time or recurring gift.
Memorial and honorary gifts get listed in the Mono Lake Newsletter and information will be shared with the recipient according to the wishes of the donor.
Stock gifts
Your donation of appreciated securities is a tax-efficient and effective way to support the Committee. When you donate appreciated securities, you can deduct the gift as a charitable donation and minimize capital gains.
For more information and stock transfer instructions, please contact Philanthropy Director Anna Christensen at (760) 647-6595 x112.
Retirement plan donations
The charitable IRA rollover, or qualified charitable distribution (QCD), is a special provision allowing particular donors of age 70½ or older to exclude from taxable income—and count toward their required minimum distribution (RMD)—certain transfers of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) assets that are made directly to public charities, including the Mono Lake Committee.
Beginning January 1, 2024, individuals can use this option to support the charities of their choice with tax-wise gifts up to $105,000.
How does the donor benefit?
- An IRA QCD makes it easier to use IRA assets to make charitable gifts during one’s lifetime.
- If you have not already taken your RMD in a given year, a QCD can count towards satisfying this requirement.
- QCDs are not considered income for federal income tax purposes.
What gifts qualify for a charitable IRA rollover?
- Made by a donor age 70½ or older.
- Transferred from a traditional or Roth IRA directly to a public charity, such as the Mono Lake Committee. Please direct your fund manager or plan administrator to name you as the donor on the transfer.
- Completed during the applicable tax year.
- Gifts up to $105,000 per person to 501(c)(3) charities each year from your IRAs. ($210,000 for married couples who can donate up to $105,000 each from their own retirement plans.)
How do I make a donation to the Mono Lake Committee from my IRA?
- If you would like to make a QCD from your IRA, contact your fund manager or plan administrator for the appropriate form. The check must be made payable directly to the Mono Lake Committee.
- You may need to provide the following information about the Mono Lake Committee:
- Legal Name: Mono Lake Committee
- Tax ID#: 77-0051124
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Estate planning
Your generosity and foresight make the protection and restoration of Mono Lake possible. The Mono Lake Committee has been managing donations for more than 40 years to ensure that contributions are used responsibly and strategically. Estate gifts provide an opportunity to create a philanthropic legacy that benefits Mono Lake for years to come. Our legacy society, Friends of Mono Lake Forever, recognizes members who have included the Mono Lake Committee in their estate plans.
If you would like to learn more about Friends of Mono Lake Forever, or if you’ve already included the Mono Lake Committee in your estate plans, please contact Philanthropy Director Anna Christensen at (760) 647-6595 x112.
How do I include the Mono Lake Committee in my will?
- A will communicates how your assets will be distributed upon your death. Your will ensures that your legacy reflects the values most important to you, including the people, causes, and charities you care about the most.
- There are several ways to give to the Mono Lake Committee in your will:
- a percentage of your estate,
- a specific dollar amount,
- a defined asset, or
- a remainder of other bequests.
- It can be as simple as including language like this:
- I give, devise, and bequeath to the Mono Lake Committee, ____ percent of my estate or the sum of $ __________ (or stocks, bonds, property, or other assets).
Donations to the Mono Lake Committee are tax-deductible. Our tax ID is 77-0051124.
The information on this site is not intended to provide specific advice about your estate plan or to recommend a specific course of action. We suggest you consult your professional advisers before taking any action.
Contact us
For more information, please contact Philanthropy Director Anna Christensen at (760) 647-6595 x112.
Donations to the Mono Lake Committee are tax-deductible. Our tax ID is 77-0051124.
Additional Ways to Give
In-kind gifts
Contributing in-kind gifts to our programs is a great way to support the Mono Lake Committee. Please contact Philanthropy Director Anna Christensen at (760) 647-6595 x112 if you have an item you would like to donate.
Shop our bookstore
You can shop our online store any time to support our work with 100% of the proceeds generated by your purchase of books and other merchandise.
Support us on Bookshop
Shop an unlimited selection of books, art supplies, and puzzles through our Bookshop page and Bookshop will contribute 30% of purchases to the Mono Lake Committee.
Top photo by David Gubernick.