Each August, Make-A-Will Month reminds us to take an important and empowering step: putting our wishes in writing. Creating a will not only ensures your loved ones are cared for, but it also gives you the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for the causes you cherish.
At Oceanic Society, we believe that protecting the ocean is one of the greatest legacies a person can leave. Planned gifts of all sizes help us safeguard endangered sea turtles, reduce ocean plastic pollution, support underserved youth in the San Francisco Bay Area, and promote the long-term health of our blue planet.
Why Planned Giving Matters
Planned giving is a powerful and accessible way to make a meaningful impact, without affecting your finances during your lifetime. By allocating a portion of your estate to Oceanic Society, you can fuel decades of ocean conservation.
Whether you’re a lifelong ocean lover, an avid traveler, an educator, or someone just starting your career, legacy giving allows you to:
- Align your values with your long-term impact
- Support programs that protect marine wildlife and coastal communities
- Create measurable, lasting change for future generations
Nancy’s Story: A Legacy That Still Makes Waves
One of the most inspiring examples of ocean legacy giving comes from Nancy Wotkyns, a dedicated Oceanic Society traveler and sea turtle enthusiast. Nancy lived simply, gave what she could during her lifetime, and remained deeply committed to the causes she loved. By including Oceanic Society in her will and naming us as the beneficiary of her life insurance policy, Nancy created one of the most significant planned gifts in our history.
A dedicated Oceanic Society traveler and sea turtle enthusiast, Nancy Wotkyns made Oceanic Society part of her estate plans, providing generous support that continues to fund our sea turtle conservation programs today.
Her generosity continues to fund our sea turtle conservation programs and community engagement efforts today, a testament to the enduring impact one person can make.
Nancy’s story reminds us that you don’t need vast resources to leave a meaningful legacy. Planned giving allows anyone to align their values with their legacy and create meaningful change.
How Your Gift Can Make a Difference
Your legacy gift can help:
- Protect endangered species like sea turtles and whales
- Empower coastal communities through sustainable livelihoods
- Connect underserved students in the Bay Area to the ocean
- Reduce ocean plastic pollution through global campaigns
Every planned gift, no matter the size, is an investment in ocean health, community wellbeing, and a more sustainable future.
3 Simple Steps to Create Your Ocean Legacy
- Choose Your Gift Type: Include Oceanic Society in your will or trust, or name us as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance.
- Contact Us for Guidance: We’re happy to help you explore your options and ensure your gift aligns with your wishes. Get in touch.
- Complete Your Legal Documents: Work with your estate planner or use a free will-making tool to finalize your plans.
Explore our legacy giving resources to learn more.
Join the Oceanic Legacy Society
When you include Oceanic Society in your estate plans, you become part of our Oceanic Legacy Society, a community of visionary supporters who are making long-term commitments to ocean health.
Members may choose to be recognized publicly or privately, but all receive our lasting gratitude for their vision and generosity.
Already included us in your plans? Let us know so we can thank you and welcome you into the Oceanic Legacy Society.
Your Values. Your Legacy. A Healthier Ocean.
Making a will is a deeply personal act, and an incredible opportunity to extend your values far beyond your lifetime. Whether you’re giving back to the places you’ve traveled, supporting the next generation of ocean stewards, or simply protecting the ocean you love, a planned gift ensures your story continues to make waves.
Together, we can build a more oceanic society, for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.
