What you leave behind can make all the difference
Your lasting impact
Your generosity can create an enduring legacy, supporting the the May Arboretum Society, both now and for generations to come. You can name the May Arboretum Society as a beneficiary by completing a form provided by your plan administrator, or consult your attorney to add a codicil to your will.
Ways to build your charitable legacy
Bequests through your will or trust
You can designate a specific asset, a fixed dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate to leave a lasting impact.
Retirement plan contributions
A simple and tax-savvy way to give, as retirement plan assets are often heavily taxed when inherited.
Life insurance gifts
You can donate a new or existing life insurance policy by designating the May Arboretum Society as the owner and beneficiary. Premium payments may qualify as tax-deductible charitable contributions if you itemize. Alternatively, you can name the May Arboretum Society as a beneficiary through your policyholder’s form.
Ways to give
Unrestricted Bequest
A long-term investment that empowers the Society to address the evolving needs of the Arboretum. This flexible gift ensures your support will strengthen the Arboretum for years to come.
Donor-Advised Fund
Create a personalized charitable account for yourself, your family, or your organization. This streamlined alternative to a private foundation offers immediate tax benefits for contributions.
Designated or Cause-Specific Fund
Support the Society with a one-time gift or ongoing stream of funding. Our team will ensure your gift aligns with your intentions far into the future.
Income-Generating Gifts
Explore options like charitable trusts that provide you with a steady income during your lifetime while leaving a lasting legacy. Contact us to learn more about these opportunities.
Join Our Legacy Circle
When you share your commitment to include the the May Arboretum Society in your estate plans, we warmly invite you to join the Legacy Circle, a community of dedicated donors who have chosen to make a lasting difference through their generosity.
Meet Wilbur D. May
Wilbur D. May was a world explorer who made over 40 trips around the world, collecting and trading artifacts. Wilbur was a rancher, soldier, businessman, artist, pilot, and philanthropist. In 1936 he moved to Reno, Nevada, bred horses and cattle, and was committed to education, the well-being of children, and sharing with the community.
Meet Dr. Edgar F. Kleiner
Toward the end of Wilbur’s life, he and his family began working with Dr. Edgar F. Kleiner to create The May Center at Rancho San Rafael Park. The Center comprises the May Museum, housing Wilbur’s travel artifacts, and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
An amazing history
Many people are unaware of the history behind the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Without Dr. Edgar F. Kleiner, the UNR professor who planted the first tree, this arboretum would not exist. His hope, vision and determination made it possible.
Established in 1983 and opening to the public in 1986, Dr. Kleiner was able to build a foundation that would become the living plant museum it is today, growing the arboretum over three distinct phases over the next 14 years. The arboretum stands today as an invaluable resource for university students, k-12 education, and a haven enjoyed in so many ways by the community, thanks to Dr. Kleiner.
An uncomfortable truth
In 1999, a decision was made to place the May Center under the care and direction of Washoe County Parks. The independent company created for self-sustainability, established by Dr. Kleiner and the Wilbur D. May Foundation, was dissolved.
At this point, Washoe County was left handling the upkeep of Rancho San Rafael Park and the May Center, which includes both the Museum and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
All this was now more than the county was able to handle financially. Lack of funding and expert leadership required to fulfill the growth plan resulted in an inability to move forward to completion.
The reality we face...
Without us, the Aboretum declines.
The May Arboretum Society provides for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
In fact, the Society provides Washoe County with staff, vehicles, and equipment to maintain the beauty of the Arboretum and keep things in working order.
New Arboretum features and gardens? Events, workshops, and educational programs for kids?
Yep, that’s us too.
Without you, there is no us.
Your memberships, business partnerships, donations, and contributions directly support your Arboretum.
The sole purpose of the Society is to provide the Arboretum with funding to keep it alive and growing.
We support Washoe County and commend their work at the Arboretum. By donating to the May Arboretum Society, your donations are guaranteed to be used solely for the benefit of the Arboretum.
We make sure of it.
Make a Lasting Impact
To speak with the May Arboretum Society about QCD giving, please fill out the form below, or feel free to email us at giving@mayarboretumsociety.org, or reach out the old fashioned way by calling us at 775.234.8040
