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The 2026 Legacy Match Challenge

A generous donor has created a Legacy Match Fund to provide funding for the Student Conservation Association’s most urgent needs. A total of $50,000 in matching funds is available, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can unlock up to $2,500 in funding for the SCA simply by confirming your legacy gift!

Unlock Matching Funds Button

How It Works

1. Include the Student Conservation Association in your estate plans or confirm that you have an existing designation for the SCA in your plans.

• New planned gift: unlocks $2,500 today.
• Existing or updated gift: unlocks $1,000 today.

2. Complete this short form to let us know.

• Takes less than 2 minutes.
• No legal obligation.

3. Matching funds are released – and you choose where they go!

We’ll notify you on October 9 if your commitment qualifies, at which time we will direct the match to your fund of choice (descriptions in FAQ below):

• The Next 70 Years of the SCA (Unrestricted Fund)
• Alum Fund
• Wildland Fire Fund
• Urban Green Fund
• Youth Protecting Our National Parks Fund

If you have already included the Student Conservation Association in your will or estate plans, are considering the SCA in your will or estate plans, or want to increase or update an existing commitment, this opportunity may be for you!

 

Respond By Sept. 30, 2026

Unlock Limited Matching Funds

A generous donor has created a $50,000 pool to be released when supporters document their no-obligation legacy commitments.

Start Unlocking Today
Legacy Match Thermometer

 

Why This Matters Now

Your response helps unlock funding that will support conservation crews in the field, provide service opportunities for young people, and strengthen the SCA’s financial stability.

At a time when flexible funding is critical, your legacy can make a difference today – not just in the future.

Important Dates and Details
A logo of a person standing on mountain top holding a flag Total match pool

$50,000

A logo of two people shaking hands Allocation

First-come, first-served

Hourglass Icon Red Deadline to respond

September 30, 2026

Resume Building, Interviews Icons Notification date

October 9, 2026

Unlock Matching Funds Button

Limited $50,000 match pool – first come, first served

FAQs

  • Is this a binding commitment?

    No. This is a non-binding statement of intent. You may change your plans at any time.

  • Do I need to provide documentation?

    No. We are simply asking you to share your intentions.

  • What qualifies as a planned gift?

    Common examples include:

    • A bequest in your will or trust
    • Retirement account beneficiary designation
    • Life insurance policy
    • Donor-advised fund designation
    • Charitable Gift Annuities do not qualify

  • How is the match funded?

    A generous donor has created a $50,000 pool to be released when supporters document their legacy commitments.

  • What happens after I submit the form?

    You will receive confirmation of your submission and be notified by Oct. 9, 2026, if your commitment qualifies. You will have the opportunity to direct your match to a specific SCA fund.

  • What are the SCA funds I can choose to support?

    • The Next 70 Years Fund (unrestricted)
      Supports the SCA Endowment to sustain the longevity and future of the SCA. This will provide young people future opportunities to support priority conservation projects.
    • Alum Fund
      Strengthens lifelong connections among SCA alums by supporting career development, networking, mentoring, volunteer opportunities, and engagement programs.
    • Wildland Fire Fund
      Supports SCA’s wildland fire and fuels reduction programs, training young adults for wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, disaster recovery, and careers protecting communities and public lands.
    • Urban Green Fund
      Supports paid green jobs in environmental education, seasonal crews, internships, and workforce development that prepare young people for conservation careers while strengthening communities.
    • Youth Protecting Our National Parks Fund
      Supports young people completing hands-on conservation projects and historic preservation projects that protect, restore, and improve America’s national parks and monuments while developing the next generation of conservation leaders.

  • Questions?

    Contact William Cardamon at [email protected] or (571) 895-1817.

Follow The Work We Do

Join our community of supporters who care deeply about preserving parks, public lands and urban green spaces.

Join our community of supporters who care deeply about preserving America’s parks, public lands, and urban green spaces.