To make a contribution to the Otsego Conservation District Fund, contact the Otsego County Community Foundation at (989) 731-0597 or visit Otsego Community Foundation Give Now
What is an endowment fund?
An endowment is a permanent fund that provides income each year to support a charitable cause. Otsego Conservation District Fund is a partnership between Otsego Conservation District and the Otsego Community Foundation. The Community Foundation provides professional investment management and administration of the Fund, and each year the income from the fund provides another source of funding for the charitable work of Otsego Conservation District.
Why is an endowment important?
An endowment provides essential stability and is a permanent source of unrestricted funding for the organization. The Fund provides options for donors, who may give directly to the organization in support of current operations, may give to the Fund in support of the long- term financial health of the organization, or both. The endowment fund also presents an excellent option for donors who want to make legacy gifts through estate planning.
Who makes gifts to an endowment?
Anyone can contribute to an organization’s future with an endowment gift of any size. Gifts to the Fund at the Community Foundation are fully deductible as charitable gifts for federal income, gift, and estate tax purposes
An endowment is a permanent fund that provides income each year to support a charitable cause. Otsego Conservation District Fund is a partnership between Otsego Conservation District and the Otsego Community Foundation. The Community Foundation provides professional investment management and administration of the Fund, and each year the income from the fund provides another source of funding for the charitable work of Otsego Conservation District.
Why is an endowment important?
An endowment provides essential stability and is a permanent source of unrestricted funding for the organization. The Fund provides options for donors, who may give directly to the organization in support of current operations, may give to the Fund in support of the long- term financial health of the organization, or both. The endowment fund also presents an excellent option for donors who want to make legacy gifts through estate planning.
Who makes gifts to an endowment?
Anyone can contribute to an organization’s future with an endowment gift of any size. Gifts to the Fund at the Community Foundation are fully deductible as charitable gifts for federal income, gift, and estate tax purposes
News Release:
January 13th, 2026
In 2025 spendable funds from the Otsego Conservation District fund were used to host the 13th Annual Art in the Garden Festival. Approximately 300 people attended the festival this year and were able to participate in free workshops, live music, and a live raptor demonstration with Skegemog Raptor Center.
Funds were also used to replace the lawn tractor for the Demonstration Garden after the current one broken down.
A special thank you form the Otsego Conservation District staff to all those who have donated to the endowment fund to help ensure that conservation education and assistance is available in Otsego County.
January 13th, 2026
In 2025 spendable funds from the Otsego Conservation District fund were used to host the 13th Annual Art in the Garden Festival. Approximately 300 people attended the festival this year and were able to participate in free workshops, live music, and a live raptor demonstration with Skegemog Raptor Center.
Funds were also used to replace the lawn tractor for the Demonstration Garden after the current one broken down.
A special thank you form the Otsego Conservation District staff to all those who have donated to the endowment fund to help ensure that conservation education and assistance is available in Otsego County.
News Release:
January 26, 2016
Contributions to local causes can come in many forms. While monetary donations are always appreciated, alternative gifts can make a significant impact on the cause close to the giver’s heart as well as on the entire community.
Recently, Dr. Edward G. and Suzanne H. Kane donated 20 acres of property located on Congdon Road near Hayes Road in Livingston Township to the Otsego Conservation District (OCD) with the intent of using the land as a site for the public to learn about forest and wildlife management.
After reviewing the property and the district’s goals and objectives, The OCD board of directors elected to sell the land and use a portion of the revenue to support natural resource education programs.
Thanks to the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Kane, the OCD is able to continue its programs this year as well as invest in the OCD Endowment Fund of the Otsego County Community Foundation (OCCF.) The endowment will ensure that the Kane’s wishes of supporting educational programs for children and adults in Otsego County will live forever.
“We are so grateful for the Kane’s generous donation and their passion for natural resources,” said Patricia Osburn, OCD manager, “They care about the future.”
The fund was initially established in 2014 by Jack Marlette, chairperson of the OCD Board of Directors. An endowment is a fund where the principal is never spent; only the growth on the fund is distributed. Endowments provide a strong and stable source of funds for community and nonprofit organizations now and into the future in perpetuity.
By partnering in philanthropy with the OCCF, The OCD Fund will have the advantage of being invested in a larger pool of assets which can lead to further growth. The OCCF ensures that the intention, contribution and names of all donors are forever preserved.
We would like to extend an invitation to all who stand with us in the progress, dedication, education and responsible management of natural resources in our community to consider giving for the future.
January 26, 2016
Contributions to local causes can come in many forms. While monetary donations are always appreciated, alternative gifts can make a significant impact on the cause close to the giver’s heart as well as on the entire community.
Recently, Dr. Edward G. and Suzanne H. Kane donated 20 acres of property located on Congdon Road near Hayes Road in Livingston Township to the Otsego Conservation District (OCD) with the intent of using the land as a site for the public to learn about forest and wildlife management.
After reviewing the property and the district’s goals and objectives, The OCD board of directors elected to sell the land and use a portion of the revenue to support natural resource education programs.
Thanks to the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Kane, the OCD is able to continue its programs this year as well as invest in the OCD Endowment Fund of the Otsego County Community Foundation (OCCF.) The endowment will ensure that the Kane’s wishes of supporting educational programs for children and adults in Otsego County will live forever.
“We are so grateful for the Kane’s generous donation and their passion for natural resources,” said Patricia Osburn, OCD manager, “They care about the future.”
The fund was initially established in 2014 by Jack Marlette, chairperson of the OCD Board of Directors. An endowment is a fund where the principal is never spent; only the growth on the fund is distributed. Endowments provide a strong and stable source of funds for community and nonprofit organizations now and into the future in perpetuity.
By partnering in philanthropy with the OCCF, The OCD Fund will have the advantage of being invested in a larger pool of assets which can lead to further growth. The OCCF ensures that the intention, contribution and names of all donors are forever preserved.
We would like to extend an invitation to all who stand with us in the progress, dedication, education and responsible management of natural resources in our community to consider giving for the future.