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Double Your Impact Now your gift can do even more There are moments in time that can dramatically alter our future. Our moment is now. The growing demands for food, water, housing and energy are putting increasing pressure on the world we all share. Failing to meet these challenges with more nature-friendly solutions will be catastrophic for people and nature. With an eye to future challenges and a focus on our mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends, TNC launched a campaign to raise $25 million in the summer of 2016. This ambitious campaign would greatly expand TNC’s Missouri conservation efforts and benefit the entire state. But could we do it? Thanks to the generous contributions of our longtime benefactors and new supporters, we officially passed the $24 million mark in January 2021. “What we’ve been able to accomplish over the past five years is remarkable,” says Nancy Ylvisaker, board chair for The Nature Conservancy in Missouri. “We set ambitious conservation goals, and ambitious fundraising goals to match them.” Fueled by this vital funding, many important programs were able to continue, and many more moved into the planning stages. But unprecedented economic hardship gripped our country in 2020. Would our funding drive lose its momentum? “We know what can happen when people rally together; it happens all the time in our conservation work,” says Ylvisaker. “We wanted to put that same emphasis on the financial success of this campaign. And this past year—one of personal and financial difficulty for so many—has reminded us that nature has the power to soothe, uplift and restore. Nature’s resilience reminds us of our own resilience. And that has spurred us on.” Working together, current and alumni trustees created the Missouri Conservation Matching Gift Program. Through this program, all gifts received between now and June 30, 2021, will be matched dollar-for-dollar. “You’re essentially doubling your impact,” she says. “Doubling the impact that
TNC has in Missouri to protect the lands and waters that we all love and rely on.” Although Earth’s natural systems face serious threats, they are remarkably resilient. We have an opportunity to meet these urgent needs with transformative solutions. The stream and river restoration, habitat recovery and environmental education projects you invest in today will have lasting, positive impacts on our state for years to come. “This pool of funds is an investment in the future of our conservation priorities, programs and people,” Ylvisaker says. “We invite you to join us.” Ways to Give You can participate in the Missouri Conservation Matching Gift Program now by sending your gift in the envelope provided in this newsletter. If you’d like to discuss additional giving options, including Legacy gifts, which are made through your will or trust, please contact Mona Monteleone at (314) 968-1105 or mona.monteleone@tnc.org
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