A Life Membership is for people who already know why Indiana Audubon matters.
If you give year after year, attend programs, or bring others along to care about birds, this is a way to set that support in place. One decision replaces years of renewals and helps provide steady funding for the work you care about.
A one-time gift of $775 establishes your Life Membership. Many members find this replaces years of renewals they were already planning to make.
What That Support Does
Your Life Membership is invested in the Indiana Audubon Society (IAS) Development Fund. Each year, a portion of that fund is distributed to the Society’s General Fund to support conservation work, education, research, publications, and other activities the Board directs will be beneficial to Indiana Audubon. These distributions are not automatically earmarked for any single site. Because your gift is invested rather than spent all at once, it continues to support Indiana Audubon year after year.
Why People Choose Life Membership
Conservation work depends on being able to plan ahead. Life Memberships help create that stability by providing predictable funding that isn’t tied to annual renewal cycles. That steadiness helps Indiana Audubon maintain programs, care for Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, and respond quickly when new needs come up.
For many members, it’s also a simpler way to give. No annual reminders. No lapses. Just ongoing support.
How the Investment Works
Life Membership gifts are added to a long-term investment fund. Each year, 5.25 percent of the fund is distributed to support current programs, while the rest remains invested. Over time, that structure allows a single Life Membership to provide more support than an annual membership alone.
Here’s what a $775 Life Membership could look like after 20 years, depending on market conditions:
- Conservative 4 percent return: about $1,699
- Moderate 6 percent return: about $2,486
- Optimistic 8 percent return: about $3,612
Life Member Benefits
Life Members receive all standard membership benefits, plus additional benefits that recognize their long-term commitment:
- Ability to register one non-member guest at member rates
- Birds of the World access ($49 annual value)
- Discounted field trips, workshops, and events
- Early registration for the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival
- Free year-round camping and fishing at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary
- 15 percent discount on all merchandise in the online store
Is Life Membership Right For You?
Life Membership tends to make sense if you renew year after year and want to keep your support going without the annual cycle. It’s also a good fit if you prefer a one-time gift that replaces years of renewals and want to help strengthen Indiana Audubon’s long-term stability. Life Memberships can also be funded over time through short payment plans, making it easier to spread the cost across the year.
If you’d like to learn more or talk through an upgrade, contact Brad Bumgardner at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a donation or a membership?
It’s both. The one-time gift establishes your Life Membership and is invested for long-term support.
Is a Life Membership tax deductible?
Yes. Memberships to Indiana Audubon are charitable contributions and are generally tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for details.
Can a Life Membership be funded through an IRA QCD or donor advised fund?
Yes. Life Memberships may be funded through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) for those age 70½ or older, or through a donor advised fund. These gifts are acknowledged in accordance with IRS regulations.
Who oversees the Development fund?
The Development Fund is professionally managed and overseen by the Finance and Development Committees, with regular reporting to the Board. Halter Ferguson Financial provides investment statements, and distributions appear in Indiana Audubon’s annual financial reporting.
What does the 5.25 percent distribution mean?
That’s the portion of the fund distributed each year to support Indiana Audubon’s programs. The rate is set in the bylaws and calculated using a 12-quarter average market value.
Can recent gifts be applied or payments split over time?
Yes! Your recent membership credit can often be applied toward a Life Membership, and short payment plans can be arranged.
