Leave a Lasting Impact for Farm Animals

Welcome to Maya’s Legacy Society

At Farm Sanctuary, we are incredibly grateful for those who have chosen to include us in their estate plans, ensuring a future for farm animals in need. Maya's Legacy Society honors individuals who make a lasting commitment to the animals through planned gifts. This special group of supporters is helping to sustain and grow our mission for generations to come.

Named in memory of Maya cow, who was one of the beloved residents of Farm Sanctuary, Maya's Legacy Society reflects the enduring impact that compassion can have on the lives of farm animals. Maya's journey was one of transformation—from suffering at a stockyard to being surrounded by love and care at a sanctuary. Her legacy continues to inspire us all, and we invite you to join us, ensuring that her story—and the stories of countless other animals—will be carried forward.

Why Join Maya's Legacy Society?

  1. Help Secure the Future of Farm Sanctuary
    By planning a legacy gift, you ensure that we have the resources to continue educating the public, advocating for change, and providing sanctuary to farm animals in need. Your gift will help fund critical programs and sanctuary operations, allowing us to meet the ever-growing demand and expand our reach in protecting farm animals.
  2. Honor the Animals You Love
    Your gift will help us fulfill our mission on behalf of billions of farm animals...each one an individual with feelings, just like your beloved dog or cat. Making a planned gift will help us:
    • Educate millions of people about the effects of factory farming on our health and environment  
    • Advocate to create protections for farm animals and promote compassionate vegan living  
    • Rescue farm animals from cruelty and neglect, allowing them to live in the peace and joy of sanctuary.
  3. A Lasting Commitment to Compassion
    Joining Maya's Legacy Society is a powerful statement of your commitment to kindness, justice, and compassion for farm animals. By making a planned gift, you become part of a movement that will change the lives of farm animals for years to come, continuing the work Maya and other sanctuary residents inspired.

Maya the Cow’s Legacy

Maya was rescued from a stockyard and brought to Farm Sanctuary, where she found safety, love, and the care she deserved. Her transformation from a frightened, malnourished cow into a joyful and playful member of our family is a testament to the power of compassion and sanctuary.

Maya’s story touched the hearts of so many, and it’s through her legacy that we hope to continue to provide sanctuary for countless animals like her. Maya's Legacy Society is a tribute to her enduring spirit and the lasting change we can all help create for farm animals in need.

As one of the founding inspirations behind this society, Maya continues to teach us about the importance of kindness, resilience, and the difference one life can make. By joining Maya's Legacy Society, you help carry her spirit forward in our collective mission to protect animals from cruelty and provide them with the sanctuary they deserve.

Ways to Join Maya's Legacy Society

There are several meaningful ways to include Farm Sanctuary in your estate plan and join Maya's Legacy Society. The most popular ways are:

  • Bequests: You can include Farm Sanctuary in your will or trust, whether through a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a residual bequest (the remainder after other gifts have been made).
  • Beneficiary Designations: Designating Farm Sanctuary as a beneficiary of your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, or other assets is a simple way to leave a lasting gift without altering your current finances.
  • Charitable Trusts: Establishing a charitable remainder trust allows you to provide income to yourself or your family during your lifetime, with the remaining balance benefiting Farm Sanctuary.
  • Real Estate: Donating real estate such as land, a home, or other properties is another way to support our mission while offering tax advantages to you.

The Benefits of Joining Maya's Legacy Society

  1. Recognition and Community
    As a member of Maya's Legacy Society, you will be recognized for your commitment to the future of farm animals. You will receive invitations to special events, priority B&B booking at our Watkins Glen, NY sanctuary, and updates from our team. Joining this community of like-minded supporters connects you with others who share your dedication to protecting farm animals.
  2. Legacy Planning Resources
    We offer personalized resources to help you plan your legacy gift. Whether you need sample bequest language or would like to consult with our planned giving professionals, we’re here to help you navigate the options that best suit your wishes and financial situation.
  3. Peace of Mind
    Making a legacy gift provides peace of mind, knowing that you are ensuring Farm Sanctuary’s work continues long after your lifetime. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution will directly support the animals who need it most.

Types of Planned Gifts:

  • Bequests: A bequest in your will or living trust allows you to leave a specified amount or percentage of your estate to Farm Sanctuary.
  • Retirement Plan Assets: You can name Farm Sanctuary as a beneficiary of your retirement account (IRA, 401(k), etc.) to provide a meaningful gift without impacting your current finances.
  • Life Insurance: You can designate Farm Sanctuary as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, ensuring that your legacy is supported with minimal impact on your other financial commitments.
  • Charitable Remainder Trust: A charitable remainder trust allows you to receive income from your gift during your lifetime, and the remainder will be directed to support our sanctuary once you’re gone.
  • Donor-Advised Funds: If you already have a donor-advised fund (DAF), you can recommend gifts to Farm Sanctuary, ensuring that your charitable wishes are fulfilled in the future.

We also understand that each person’s legacy is personal, and we are happy to respect your wishes regarding privacy. Whether you choose to remain anonymous or be recognized publicly, we honor your generosity and commitment.

Join Us in Protecting Farm Animals for the Future

Sanctuary transformed Maya’s life, and through her legacy, countless more animals will be given the chance to live freely. Your gift can ensure a compassionate future for generations of farm animals to come.

We invite you to join Maya's Legacy Society and leave a lasting mark on the lives of the animals you love. Together, we can honor Maya’s legacy and make a lasting difference for farm animals everywhere.

Contact Us

For more information or to discuss your plans confidentially, please email our Legacy Giving team at [email protected]

We are grateful for your consideration in making a lasting impact on the future of farm animals at Farm Sanctuary.