Ursa Major Society
Like the constellation that has guided travelers for centuries, members of the Ursa Major Society helps protect resources and heighten visitor experiences in partnership with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
It honors the Mother Bear who watches over her cubs eternally, mirroring how your legacy protects the future of the Lakeshore forever.
What You Enjoy as a Society Member
Invitations to exclusive gatherings with park leaders and fellow champions.
Recognition in our annual publications, honoring your foresight.
Insider briefings and our Impact Report, keeping you close to the work.
As part of our community, you can tap into our insider knowledge for personalized recommendations on must-see sites, scenic hikes, and unforgettable park experiences.
Above all, you’ll take pride in knowing your legacy creates a deeper, lasting impact on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Leave a Legacy With Friends of the Sleeping Bear Dunes
There are many ways to make a lasting impact
Leave a gift in your will or living trust
Designate the Friends as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, life insurance policy, or other financial account
Sharing the natural wonder and awe of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Ongoing Goals of the Friends
Building organizational sustainability: staffing, fundraising, and board
Strategic, efficient, and impactful FOSBD programs
Signature project defined, vetted, and implementation started
Join the Ursa Major Society
Joining the Ursa Major Society is straightforward. If you have already remembered Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes in your estate, you can easily confirm your gift by filling out our online form or downloading the Estate Gift Notification Form.
For more information or assistance, please contact the Team of Planned Giving at (231) 882-6981 or PlannedGiving@FriendsofSleepingBear.org
If you wish to name The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes in your estate plan, will, trust or other financial document, we should be named as:
Friends of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the state of Michigan, with principal business address of 9922 W Front Street, Empire, Michigan 49630.
For an unrestricted gift that allows the Friends of the Sleeping Bear Dunes to determine how to use the funds based on the most pressing needs, please use the following language for your Will, Trust or other financial document:
“I give to Friends of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Michigan and located at 9922 W Front Street, Empire, Michigan 49630 or its successor thereto, _________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted charitable use and purpose."
Our Federal Tax Identification Number is: 38-3178841
Michigan Business Entity ID: 800812724
Date of incorporation: May 24, 1994