Your generosity fuels conservation, education, and community connection across Otsego County. Every gift—no matter the size or form—helps OCCA protect our natural resources, support hands-on environmental learning, and build a healthier, more resilient region for everyone.

If you have questions or would like to talk through the best giving option for you, please reach out to our Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish, at shelbym@occainfo.org or 607-547-4488. We are always happy to discuss how your support can make meaningful impact in 2026 and beyond.

Our Annual Fund

Your annual support is the backbone of our work. Gifts to the Annual Fund sustain the day-to-day operations that keep OCCA strong: staffing our programs, delivering environmental education, restoring habitats, responding to invasive species, and ensuring our team has the tools and resources to serve the community.

Unrestricted contributions are especially powerful—they allow us to respond to emerging conservation needs, seize new opportunities, and continue our mission of promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of our region’s natural resources.

Ways to give:
• Make a one-time or recurring gift online
• Mail a check to:
Otsego County Conservation Association
P.O. Box 931
Cooperstown, NY 13326

If you need assistance, please contact our office. We’re here to help.

Business Sponsorship

OCCA is proud to partner with local and regional businesses that share our commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. Sponsorships support high-visibility programs and events including:

• Our bi-monthly "Be Informed" lecture series
• A NEW fall recycling event
• Earth Festival (May)
• Drive-Through, Drop-Off recycling (April/May)

Sponsorship provides meaningful exposure while demonstrating your business’s commitment to sustainability.

To explore current sponsorship opportunities, contact Shelby MacLeish.

Planned Giving & Bequests
Legacy gifts strengthen OCCA’s long-term ability to protect the environment and serve future generations. By naming OCCA in your will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy, you create lasting impact with the assets you no longer need in your lifetime.

If you do not yet have a will, we recommend FreeWill, a free online tool that allows you to create an estate plan and designate beneficiaries in about ten minutes. Even a small percentage can make a profound difference.

People of all ages and life stages can incorporate charitable giving into their planning. If you choose to include OCCA in your estate plans, please let us know—we would be honored to thank you. 

Matching Gift Contributions

Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees, retirees, or board members. A matching gift can double or even triple your impact at no additional cost to you.

Ask your employer whether they participate in a matching gift program and list Otsego County Conservation Association in your documentation if eligible.

Contributions of Goods or Services

In-kind contributions can be incredibly valuable to our work. If you’d like to donate equipment, supplies, materials, or professional services, please contact our office with a description and estimated value of the item. While we cannot accept all in-kind gifts, the right contribution at the right time can greatly advance our programs.

Required Minimum Distributions

If you are 72 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to OCCA. This method of giving is increasingly popular because:

• The funds must be withdrawn by law, so directing them to charity often feels like “found” giving.
• When sent directly from your IRA to a qualified nonprofit like OCCA, the withdrawal is not taxed, maximizing the value of your gift.

Talk with your financial institution about how an RMD or QCD can support your charitable goals while benefiting OCCA’s mission.