Fernwood is a private, not-for-profit institution. We receive no government funds, so contributions are necessary for our operation and development. About 2,500 members and friends help make Fernwood the special place that it is, through their donations of money and service.

The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Fernwood as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Membership dues and contributions are tax-deductible to the donor.

Memberships

Membership dues provide about 15% of Fernwood’s operating income. Dues are tax-deductible to the member and offer the following benefits:

		Free admission all year round (some events require an additional fee)
		A 10% discount in the Gift Shop
		Discounts for classes, programs, and rentals
		Opportunities to travel to many interesting places in the United States and abroad
		Invitations to special concerts and events
		A subscription to Fernwood’s quarterly newsletter, Fernwood Notes
		Check-out privileges in the library
		Monthly Member Nights during the green season
		Reciprocal privileges at more than 200 botanical gardens, arboretums, and nature centers in the United States & Canada

Joining is easy. Click Here for a PDF Membership Application. Print this form, fill in your information, and return by mail.. Or, to enroll by phone, call us at 269-695-6491. Please have your credit card ready.

Annual Giving

Hundreds of members and friends make annual contributions to Fernwood. Local companies participate in our Business Appeal, which supports our Environmental Studies Program for local school children. Those who choose to contribute annually receive reminders from Fernwood at the appropriate time.

Memorials

If you would like to provide a memorial at Fernwood in honor of a family member or friend, please contact the Executive Director at 269/695-6491 ext. 210 or click here to send an e-mail message. We do not offer a list of memorial opportunities because every circumstance is different, and we work individually with each family to find the right memorial for them. Some examples of items that families have chosen include trails, gardens, benches, foot bridges, garden structures, and books for the library.

Sponsorships

There are many opportunities to sponsor activities and programs at Fernwood, including visits by school children, outdoor concerts, symposia, lectures, exhibits, interpretive signs and brochures, special events such as the Lights Before Christmas, and publications such as Fernwood Notes. All sponsors receive appropriate recognition for their contributions. For more information, contact the Executive Director at 269/695-6491 ext. 210 or click here to send an e-mail message.

In-Kind Gifts

Fernwood welcomes gifts of goods and services. Donated items for our annual auction are especially appreciated. If you have an item or service you would like to share, please call us at 269/695-6491.

Planned Giving

You can help ensure a sound future for Fernwood by arranging a gift that will come to us at a later date. There are many ways to contribute, including bequests, life insurance, charitable remainder and annuity trusts, and savings bonds. Planned gifts are used as the donor requests, or if undesignated, are used where needed most. We especially encourage gifts to our endowment, as these benefit Fernwood perpetually.

If you have arranged a future gift for Fernwood, or are considering doing so, please contact us, or click here to send an e-mail message. While we cannot replace your attorney or accountant, we can help you in your planning.

Fernwood has established the Kay Boydston Society to honor and encourage planned gifts. Anyone who has planned a gift is automatically a member. Members meet annually at Fernwood and receive updates by mail.

Community Foundations

Supporters have established endowments at two local foundations to benefit education at Fernwood. Michigan residents who contribute to these funds are eligible for a state tax credit as well as a federal income tax deduction. For more information, contact the foundations as follows:

Berrien Community Foundation, 2900 South State St. Suite 2 East, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Phone 269/983-3304.

Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, 111 Days Ave., Buchanan, MI 49107. Phone 269/695-3521.

Volunteering

Volunteers are a vital part of the Fernwood team. More than 250 people volunteer each year, contributing hundreds of hours of service. Following are some of the many ways people help us fulfill our mission:

		Sharing their love of nature with school children
		Helping the gardens grow
		Assisting in the café
		Greeting visitors at the Reception Desk
		Monitoring our bluebird trail
		Assisting Santa at the Lights Before Christmas
		Serving on the Board of Directors
		Preparing our newsletter and other items for mailing
		Removing invasive plants from the prairie and preserve
		Helping us raise funds
		Entering data in computers
		Parking cars and monitoring trails during special events

If you would like to help, please click here to send an e-mail message, call, or visit!