Your Legacy at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

For sixty years, donors to the Torrey Pines Conservancy have helped preserve North America’s rarest pine as well as 300 endangered or protected species of native plants. The wind- and water-carved terrain of Torrey Pines Reserve is also home to 200 species of birds, many rodents, grey fox, bobcat, coyote, and mule deer.

Now the Torrey Pines Reserve Endowment Fund gives you the opportunity to make a lasting investment in the protection and appreciation of this timeless wilderness.


What is the Endowment?

An endowment is a pool of contributed funds invested to support the Reserve. Its principal remains untouched in perpetuity, and the annual growth is used to support projects at the Reserve for generations into the future.

How will the Endowment help the Reserve?

The income generated by the Endowment will sustain programs and resources at the Reserve irrespective of downturns in State budget allocations. Over time, growth of the fund will permit us to respond to more needs here at the Reserve and capitalize on unique opportunities that will arise in the future.

What is the current status of the Endowment?

Thanks to the generosity of a TPC Life Member, Jewell D. LeGrand, the Endowment Fund received its first bequest within weeks of its creation in early 2007. Mrs. LeGrand's trust set aside 25% of her estate for the Reserve's two non-profit organizations, the TPA and the Torrey Pines Docent Society. Having jointly created the Endowment Fund, the Boards of both organizations voted to place the entire bequest of $290,000 into the Fund. The Endowment is housed at The San Diego Foundation and has grown to $450,000.

What are the goals of the Endowment Fund?

Over the next five years, we hope to increase the fund to $1,000,000. A million dollar Endowment will generate close to $50,000 annually — year after year. The possibilities are endless.

Who manages the Endowment Fund?

TPC is partnering with The San Diego Foundation to ensure the integrity of the Endowment and gain the expertise of a well-respected community foundation. The San Diego Foundation provides professional investment management of the Torrey Pines Reserve Endowment Fund. With their assistance, you have a range of options for making a contribution

How does one contribute to the Endowment?

There are many ways to include the Endowment in your estate planning. The simplest way is to specify a bequest of a sum of money, property, or a percentage of your estate. You may create a Charitable Gift Annuity and receive immediate tax savings and a guaranteed, partially tax-free income stream for life. You also have the option of contributing a variety of assets including securities, stock, life insurance, limited partnerships, real estate, qualified retirement plan assets, or deferred gifts from wills and trusts.

What is the Torrey Pines Legacy Society?

TPC recognizes donors who have made a significant contribution to the Endowment or a planned gift with membership in the Torrey Pines Legacy Society. As the Society grows, we will honor the members in our annual publication, the TPC Journal, and other recognition materials. Of course, we will respect any donor's wish to remain anonymous.

Learn More

A charitable adviser at TPC will be happy to assist you with your endowment.