April 02, 2026

Thinking Ahead this Earth Month

Simple ways to support ELPC and protect the environment for future generations

By Addie Epstein Lawyer, Planned Giving Officer

It’s Earth Month, and at ELPC we have our work cut out for us. The challenges ahead are real, and we will continue fighting every day for a clean, safe, and healthy environment. This work would not be possible without our steadfast supporters.

In January, I joined the ELPC team as Planned Giving Officer. My role is to help our supporters understand that writing a check isn’t the only way to have an impact. There are many simple and meaningful ways to support ELPC now and into the future.

Here are a few ways you can support ELPC today:

1. Donor Advised Funds (DAFs): If you have a DAF, we love these gifts! You can easily recommend a grant to ELPC here.
2. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) / Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): If you are 70½ or older, you can make a QCD directly from your IRA. It’s a simple and tax-efficient way to give. If you are 73 or older, these gifts can also count toward your RMD.

Planned Giving also includes options that help protect the environment long after our lifetimes. These legacy gifts can be simple to arrange and create a lasting impact:

1. Include ELPC in your will. We have language available to help you leave a legacy gift that supports environmental protection for years to come.
2. Name ELPC as a beneficiary: Life insurance policies, IRAs, pensions, investment accounts, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s all allow you to designate multiple or contingent beneficiaries. You can continue to include your loved ones while leaving a portion for ELPC.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my own legacy. As a believer in practicing what I preach, I recently logged into my retirement account and added ELPC as a secondary beneficiary. It took two minutes!

If you’d like help exploring any of these options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or 773.934.5490.

At a time when many of us feel helpless, this is one small but meaningful way we can help ensure future generations thrive. Giving during our lifetime feels great. It is also incredibly meaningful to know we can continue making a difference long after we’re gone.

Addie Epstein Lawyer,

Planned Giving Officer

Addie Epstein Lawyer is ELPC’s Planned Giving Officer.

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