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Membership and business support have made water monitoring and water quality programming possible, and are the reasons the GLA is rated among the best lake associations in the state. Having an on-staff lake biologist and an actively engaged volunteer corps sets the Glen Lake Association in a class of its own.

With more people coming to the area to live and recreate, the pressures on the watershed are increasing. The mission of the GLA continues to be protection, education and preservation for generations to come.

The best way to assist in these efforts is to be involved. Long-term financial stability is the goal of the GLA Development Committee, with the creation of “Four Ways to Give” to fund association operations as well as non-routine needs that will likely occur.

Four Ways to Give

1.    GLA General Fund

This fund supports the ongoing operational expenses of the nonprofit organization such as:

• Water quality testing
• Boat was operations
• Swimmer’s itch control
• Staffing and office expenses

2.    Glen Lake Watershed Protection Fund

Established for non-recurring expenses of the Glen Lake Association, contributions help with:

• Scientific testing for invasive specials control
• Unforeseen watershed protection issues
• Special programming initiatives

The GLA by-laws allow the board of directors to borrow from this fund for special initiatives or emergencies. All borrowed monies from the Protection Fund are paid back in a timely fashion.

Memorials and honorariums are placed in this fund unless otherwise noted.

3.    Glen Lake Association Endowment Fund

The Endowment Fund has been created for the long-term financial stability of the organization. As a permanent endowment held by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, this GLA fund has a goal of $2 million.

The Endowment Fund:

• Is managed by professional investment advisors
• Is audited annually by CPAs
• Allows Michigan residents an income tax credit of up to $400
• Gifts must be directed to the GT Regional Community Foundation/Glen Lake Association

4.    Planned Giving

Planned giving is a beneficial and tong-term way to financially assist the Glen Lake Association and its mission of caring for this irreplaceable natural resource.

A variety of giving alternatives are available to make a positive impact. Some of those opportunities include:

Bequests

• Can be established when preparing or modifying a will
• Can provide estate tax savings
• Can be established through retirement plans such as IRA’s, Keoghs, 401(k) plans, and profit sharing plans

Gift Annuities

• Can be gifts of cash, stocks, bonds or other secruities that may result in fixed income payments for life
• May qualify for Federal income tax deductions
• Can provide capital gains tax and estate tax savings

Please note: Your estate planning documents should be prepared by your attorney and reviewed by your accountant.