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In 1971, members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), recognizing the need
to have a charitable foundation to which tax-exempt donations could be made for special
conservation projects, established the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust.
Gifts to our ally, the CFM, are not tax deductible because the activist role the Federation
takes in the Legislature and before Congress, and the role CFM reserves for political campaigns.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.
A Conservation Foundation Trust, it was reasoned, could thus be a great addition for Missouri's
conservation volunteers. It could accept large donations, grants, corporate gifts, land bequests,
and memorials and put these donations to work for conservation while at the same time providing
tax benefits for the donor. It was decided the Conservation Foundation Trust would be used for
the important task of informing the citizens of Missouri of critical needs and new developments
in conservation and to undertake special projects to preserve our outdoor heritage and protect
our state's natural resources.
Examples of the projects funded in recent years include the Annual Missouri Conservation Awards,
Missouri Stream Team grants, support for the University of Missouri Honors Program, Operation
Game Thief (OGT) and Operation Forest Arson (OFA), the Missouri Environmental Fund and Wildlife
Week. The Trust helps programs that have been proven effective and which will help Missouri
conservationists pass on to the future generations a strong natural resource base and the
appreciation to protect this heritage.
Over the years one of the Conservation Foundation Trust's notable accomplishments has been to
guide the acquisition and construction of the 200-mile Katy Trail from St. Charles to Sedalia.
Primarily with a large gift from the late Edward D. Jones, Jr. and flood repair funds by the
Edward D. Jones Company, the trust served as the fiscal entity responsible for the purchase,
construction and repair of this increasingly popular hiking and bicycling trail. The trust will
continue to work to extend the Katy to link the state's two major urban areas.
An adjunctive trail project which the Conservation Foundation Trust recently began is the acquisition
and rehabilitation of a youth group shelter in Tebbetts, MO. This structure will provide organized
youth groups and others with a place to meet, eat and sleep when on Trail outings. The Trust has been
using small grants for this project and plans to continue seeking such funds for restrooms and other
improvements to the shelter. For additional information on the Katy Trail, visit the website at
http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail.htm. To inquire about shelter usage call 1-800-575-2322.
How you can support the Trust: Many contributions to the Trust have been made in memory of friends or
relatives, but donations can also be given to celebrate birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries
and other special events. All such contributions are acknowledged. To give a memorial or gift contribution,
simply make your check to the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust and mail it to 728
West Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Be sure to include the name of the deceased or the honoree if applicable,
the occasion and name and address of the person to be notified.
Beyond such donations, many conservationists have written the Trust into their will as a way to support
conservation. For other ways to show your concern we advise you to contact your attorney or a Foundation
trustee to learn all the ways there are to give to a 501(c)(3) organization.
Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust Board of Directors
David Brydon, Jefferson City, Chairman
Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City
Dr. C.F. Luebbert, Tipton
Ike Lovan, Steelville
Gene Paul, St. Louis
Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove
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