Leave a Legacy

Leave a Legacy. Become a Public Interest Protector.


For nearly 50 years, VPIRG has been a bold leader in the fight to protect Vermont’s people, environment, and locally based economy. Along the way we’ve had some impressive wins on key public interest issues like GMO labeling, retiring Vermont Yankee, and banning harmful single-use plastics. We’re proud of our rich history here in Vermont, and the incredible progress we’ve made over the decades. But we know the work is nowhere near done.

Today, VPIRG faces some of the greatest challenges in its organizational history. The climate crisis is spiraling out of control, PFAS pollution continues to threaten Vermonters’ health, and the very pillars of our democracy are being eroded. And attacks from corporate insiders, corrupt politicians, and big money special interests are only becoming more virulent.

We have a proven record of meeting challenges like these head on — and winning. But it isn’t easy (or cheap!) and we know we can’t do it alone. As a people-powered organization, we count on the support of everyday Vermonters to fuel our urgent public interest work.

As VPIRG approaches its 50th anniversary, we’re committed to ensuring that our next half century is even more impactful and transformative.

There is no better way to guarantee the continued success of this critical work even in the face of unprecedented obstacles than by becoming a Public Interest Protector.

Here are 3 simple ways to leave a gift that will ensure your values live on beyond your lifetime…

  1. Leave a bequest that costs you nothing now
    Making VPIRG or VPIREF — VPIRG’s 501c(3) charitable education and outreach arm — a beneficiary in your will or living trust is easy; you can decide to do it at any age by adding to an existing will or drafting a new one. You can take care of family and friends first and donate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate. You can find sample bequest language in the FAQ section below.
  2. Donate retirement assets
    Leaving retirement assets to support VPIRG’s continued work is straightforward and you don’t need a will. Simply contact your retirement plan administrator for a change of beneficiary form, and designate VPIRG or VPIREF for a percentage of the assets which remain in the plan at the time of your passing.
  3. Make a gift that pays you income for life
    With a charitable gift annuity, you can help secure your retirement while supporting our essential public interest work — and receiving a variety of tax benefits. We are happy to connect you with our partners at The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) to learn more about charitable gift annuities.

However you choose to give, becoming a Public Interest Protector will help guarantee the health and wellbeing of Vermont’s people, environment, and locally based economy for generations to come.

Always discuss changes to your estate with your lawyer or estate planner – nothing written here should take the place of legal advice from a qualified professional you trust.

Next Steps:

Click here to download a printable PDF copy of our Confidential Gift Intention Form.

For more information, contact Liz Edsell at ledsell@vpirg.org or call (802) 223-5221 ext. 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

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