Your land is a gift from God. Donating it to Wild Ways Acres of Hope is an act of worship and obedience—stewarding His creation to serve His people. As Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord." Your property becomes transitional housing for the homeless, regenerative farmland, and restored wildlife habitat in McDowell County, NC—a tangible investment in God's Kingdom work and the redemption of His people.
Every acre you donate to Wild Ways Acres of Hope is an act of worship and biblical stewardship—redeeming God's creation to serve His people and honor His Kingdom. Your gift directly funds the three pillars of our mission: providing housing and dignity for those experiencing homelessness, growing abundance through regenerative agriculture, and protecting God's creation and the wildlife He entrusted to our care. This is faithfulness in action.
Donated land becomes the foundation for off-grid cabin communities for unhoused individuals and families in Marion and McDowell County, NC. Residents gain a hand up — not a handout — with a path to permanent homes.
Each community grows its own food using permaculture and regenerative farming. Residents develop marketable skills and income through cash crops, livestock, and value-added products.
Western NC hosts critical habitat in the Blue Ridge Mountain corridor. Donated land preserves and restores native ecosystems — pollinators, waterways, and forest species all benefit from land protected under our stewardship.
Land donated to Wild Ways is held in perpetuity for community benefit. Your family name, your legacy, and your values can be memorialized in the community built on your gift.
Land philanthropy has deep roots here. Organizations like Duke Energy and individuals like Tim Sweeney have donated land in our region. Wild Ways follows that tradition — using land donations as the primary path to building communities.
Donating appreciated land lets you avoid capital gains tax, deduct the full fair market value from your federal income taxes, and eliminate ongoing property tax obligations — all while doing something extraordinary for your community.
Landowners who donate property or conservation easements to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit receive federal income tax deductions equal to the fair market value of the gift. Here's what that means for you.
Deduct the full appraised value of your land from your federal income taxes. A qualified appraisal (IRS-required for gifts over $5,000) establishes the value. For a $200,000 parcel, that's up to $200,000 in deductions — spread over multiple years if needed.
If your land has appreciated significantly since you purchased it, selling it would trigger capital gains taxes. Donating it instead means you pay zero capital gains — and still get the full FMV deduction. This is often the single biggest financial advantage for long-held land.
If the deduction exceeds 30% of your Adjusted Gross Income in year one, the IRS allows you to carry the remainder forward for up to five additional tax years. This makes large donations accessible even for landowners with moderate annual income.
Once transferred, you're no longer responsible for annual property taxes, insurance, maintenance, or liability on the donated land. For landowners holding idle rural parcels, this alone can be a meaningful recurring savings.
Donating land during your lifetime or through a bequest removes the asset from your taxable estate, which can reduce estate taxes for heirs while directing your wealth toward a cause you care about.
Not ready to donate outright? A bargain sale lets you sell land to Wild Ways below market value. You receive cash for part of the value, and the difference between the sale price and FMV is treated as a charitable contribution — giving you both income and a deduction.
501(c)(3) Status: Wild Ways Acres of Hope Inc. has submitted its 501(c)(3) application and is operating as a nonprofit organization. Once status is confirmed, all qualifying donations will be fully deductible retroactively to the date of incorporation. We recommend consulting a tax advisor or estate attorney to understand how a donation applies to your specific situation.
Every landowner's situation is different. We work with four primary donation structures — each designed to maximize impact while meeting you where you are financially and legally.
Transfer full legal ownership of your land to Wild Ways Acres of Hope. This is the simplest and most tax-advantaged option. You receive a charitable deduction equal to the appraised fair market value and eliminate all future obligations on the property.
You retain ownership of your land but place permanent legal restrictions on development through a recorded easement. Wild Ways holds the easement and enforces the conservation terms in perpetuity. You continue to use the land as agreed while receiving a deduction for the value of development rights surrendered.
Sell your land to Wild Ways below fair market value. The difference between your sale price and the appraised FMV is treated as a charitable contribution. You receive cash for the portion sold, avoid proportional capital gains, and get a deduction on the gift portion.
Leave land to Wild Ways Acres of Hope through your will or trust. A bequest costs nothing during your lifetime, removes the asset from your taxable estate, and ensures your land continues to serve your values for generations. We can work with your estate attorney to structure the gift correctly.
We've designed the land donation process to be straightforward and low-burden for donors. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Fill out the inquiry form below or email us directly. Tell us where your land is, roughly how many acres, and what you're hoping to accomplish. No commitment required.
48-hour responseWe review your property details — location, access, topography, current use — and schedule a site visit. We'll discuss which donation structure fits your goals and confirm the land is a good match for our mission.
1–2 weeksA qualified independent appraiser determines the land's fair market value (IRS requirement for gifts over $5,000). We coordinate all the documentation — deed preparation, title work, and legal transfer — with our attorneys.
4–8 weeksThe deed is recorded. You receive your written acknowledgment letter for tax purposes. The land enters our stewardship and begins its transformation into community, habitat, and hope.
At closingThe first step is just a conversation—an opportunity to pray and discern God's leading together. Tell us about your land — where it is, how many acres, and what you're sensing the Lord might be calling you to do. We'll listen, pray, and respond within 48 hours with genuine care for what the Holy Spirit is stirring in your heart.
There's no cost to explore your options. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just an honest, faith-filled conversation about whether your land and our mission align in God's perfect timing and His purpose for restoration and redemption.
Tell us about your property. No commitment required.
Your land inquiry has been received. We'll reach out within 48 hours to learn more and discuss next steps.
Volunteer, partner with us, or just stay connected. Tell us how you'd like to help and Tammy will reach out personally.
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