Giving

By making a donation to American Whitewater you take an active role in protecting and restoring whitewater rivers through our River Stewardship program. Our stewardship work is possible only through your support, and your contribution plays a vital role in protecting and restoring the special place that you love. We are a lean and efficient organization, with 83 cents of every dollar going to directly support our river stewardship work. With your support, we will be better equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

To make a personal donation please visit our Donate page.

Checks may be sent to our main office at: American Whitewater, PO Box 1540, Cullowhee, NC 28723

American Whitewater is happy to receive any level of contribution, it makes a significant difference in the impact of our river stewardship program. On occasion, American Whitewater receives questions about setting up a memorial fund. These legacy gifts enable donors to establish a meaningful and permanent connection to American Whitewater's river stewardship efforts.

To establish a memorial fund please see our information on memorial funds.

Leave a lasting legacy to the special places that made a difference in your life. Become a member of the American Whitewater Enduring Rivers Circle, created exclusively to honor and recognize people who have helped to continue our river stewardship efforts through a gift to American Whitewater in their estate plans. As an Enduring Rivers Circle member, you will receive special recognition to serve as a reminder of your ongoing commitment to river stewardship. You will join a circle of individuals who are making it possible for our children and future generations to experience for themselves the rivers that have coursed through our lives and made them so much richer. Your commitment will be recognized publicly in the American Whitewater Annual Report, unless you prefer to give anonymously.

About American Whitewater: Since 1954 American Whitewater has provided a bond between paddlers and rivers by providing flow information and advocating for stewardship of, and access to, whitewater rivers. In the 70's American Whitewater helped the sport flourish through our affiliation with local clubs. Now, American Whitewater is on better footing than ever before, with support from major donors, foundations, and people like you who believe in whitewater rivers and their stewardship. We received a Four Star rating from Charity Navigator <http://www.charitynavigator.org> for the last decade plus (consecutive 4-star ratings demonstrating an ongoing fiscal excellence). Their confidence in our work confirms that we are on the right track and providing an important service to the whitewater boating community, now and into the future.

Estate Plans - what is a bequest? A bequest is a provision in your will or living trust that enables you to include a future gift to American Whitewater. Bequests may be general or designated for a specific project or purpose. If you would like to make a gift to American Whitewater while retaining control of and access to your assets during your lifetime, a bequest can help you achieve these goals.

What are the benefits of a bequest? A bequest is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to make a planned gift to American Whitewater. For example: You can leave a permanent legacy but defer payment of the gift until you no longer need the asset. There is no minimum amount. Bequests of all sizes are an important legacy to American Whitewater. You may choose how and when you want your bequest to be made from your estate. Your bequest may be made contingent upon whether other heirs and beneficiaries survive you. It’s easy to alter an existing will or living trust to include a bequest to American Whitewater. A bequest qualifies for an estate charitable deduction if your estate is taxable.

Benefits of becoming an American Whitewater Enduring Rivers Circle member:

• Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime.
• You can modify your bequest if your circumstances change.
• You can direct your bequest to a particular purpose (be sure to check with American Whitewater staff to make sure your gift can be used as intended).
• You know that your gift will benefit American Whitewater tomorrow just as you intend it to today.
• Your commitment will be recognized publicly in the American Whitewater Annual Report.

Learn about the American Whitewater Enduring Rivers Circle here. This program has been created exclusively to honor and recognize people who have helped to continue our river stewardship efforts through a gift to American Whitewater in their estate plans.

If you wish to include American Whitewater in your will please see our info on putting American Whitewater in your will (bequests).

There are many ways to support American Whitewater. Check out our page on Other Ways to Donate for more information.