Help secure a permanent 1.5–2 acre sanctuary site in South Hillsborough County.
If you own agricultural or undeveloped land near the Ruskin–Wimauma area, you may be able to help establish a lasting home for specialized exotic birds through a carve-out, full donation, or other land-giving structure—potentially alongside charitable planning advantages once our tax-exempt status is finalized. This page is written for you, and for the estate planners and advisors helping you weigh the options.
Concept rendering for planning and fundraising purposes. It does not depict an existing facility.
A carve-out parcel, not necessarily your whole property.
"Legacy Partner" describes any landowner who helps the Institute secure part or all of a property for our permanent 1.5 to 2-acre sanctuary site. In many cases, this means carving out a smaller parcel from a larger agricultural holding — not giving up an entire farm or ranch.
In exchange, that parcel becomes a permanently protected home for exotic softbills and passerines, with facility development and operations aimed at meeting applicable regulatory standards once authorized, and associated publicly with your family's name and legacy if you choose.
The Ruskin-Riverview corridor fits the mission.
Rural character, close to resources
The corridor still holds working farms, oak hammocks, and low-density agricultural parcels — the space our species-specific aviary design needs — while remaining close enough to Tampa Bay for veterinary care, supplies, and volunteers.
Climate suited to our species focus
Florida's subtropical climate, managed correctly with climate-controlled aviaries, supports the softbill and passerine species we specialize in far better than most other regions of the country.
A community that already values land stewardship
Many South Hillsborough landowners already think in terms of generational land use and conservation. A Legacy Partner gift extends that same instinct to wildlife, not just soil.
Thoughtful land planning can create a lasting charitable legacy.
Every landowner's situation is different. Below are general categories of land-giving structures we can help you and your independent advisors explore. This is educational information, not tax, legal, or financial advice specific to your situation.
Possible Legacy Partner structures
- Outright donation — a landowner gifts a suitable parcel directly to the Institute, potentially supporting a charitable deduction once tax-exempt status is finalized.
- Carve-out parcel — a smaller portion of a larger property is subdivided and transferred for sanctuary use, while the remainder stays in the family's hands.
- Bargain sale — a landowner sells a parcel below appraised value, with the discount potentially treated as a charitable contribution.
- Bequest or estate gift — a landowner retains full use of the property during their lifetime and designates the parcel to transfer to the Institute through a will or trust.
- Long-term lease — a below-market lease allows sanctuary development to begin sooner while ownership conversations continue.
Typical documentation for a real-property gift
- Preliminary property and title review
- Independent qualified appraisal
- IRS Form 8283 for noncash charitable contributions, where applicable
- Form 8283 Section B signatures for gifts over the applicable IRS threshold
- A gift agreement and deed prepared by legal counsel
- Written acknowledgement of the gift from the Institute
We strongly encourage every prospective Legacy Partner to consult an independent attorney, CPA, or estate planner before finalizing any land gift, and to confirm current IRS and Florida requirements at the time of the gift. Charitable-deduction treatment cannot be guaranteed and depends on your specific circumstances and the Institute's tax-exempt status at the time of the gift.
From first conversation to permanent legacy.
Initial conversation
We learn about your property, your goals, and your timeline — with no pressure and no obligation. Most Legacy Partner relationships start as a simple phone call or site visit.
Site & feasibility review
We assess whether the parcel meets our sanctuary requirements — access, drainage, zoning, and suitability for climate-controlled, predator-proof aviary construction.
Legal, appraisal & advisor coordination
You and your advisors work through appraisal, survey, and title steps alongside our board, choosing the giving structure that fits your circumstances.
Structuring the gift
We finalize the legal documents for your chosen structure — outright donation, bargain sale, bequest, life estate, or carve-out — with full transparency on timeline and next steps.
Permanent legacy designation
Once transferred, the parcel becomes part of our permanent sanctuary footprint, with facility development aimed at meeting applicable regulatory standards once authorized, and, if you wish, publicly recognized in your family's name.
Leave land with a purpose that lasts.
Whether you're ready to talk specifics or just want to understand your options, we'd welcome a confidential, no-obligation conversation about whether your property could become part of this sanctuary's future.