Support the C&O Canal Trust
The C&O Canal National Historical Park is one of the nation’s most popular parks, and the C&O Canal Trust is dedicated to preserving it, not just for your enjoyment today, but for the benefit of future generations as well. We work closely with the National Park Service to fund preservation, conservation, and maintenance projects that increase visitors’ enjoyment of the park’s historical, cultural, and recreational resources.
Ways to Give
Monthly Giving
Support the park year round by becoming a monthly donor! Monthly giving is the most effective and efficient way to show your support for the park.
William O Douglas Society
Named in honor of the Supreme Court Justice who, in 1954, helped save the C&O Canal from being paved over, the William O. Douglas Society is a circle of leadership donors whose generous investment in the mission of the Trust significantly impacts the C&O Canal that we enjoy today, and the one we will preserve for future generations
Employer & Workplace Giving
Maximize your impact with a matching gift! Many corporate employers match gifts made by employees. A corporate matching gift can double or triple your support of the park.
The C&O Canal Trust participates in the Combined Federal Campaign. Designate your gift to the Trust by selecting 98180 on the contribution form.
The Trust participates in the Maryland Charity Campaign for Maryland State employees and retirees. Designate your gift to the Trust by entering 30-0401642 on the contribution form.
Legacy and Bequest Gifts
Making a bequest that benefits the C&O Canal could be the most important charitable gift you ever make. By naming the C&O Canal Trust in your will, you will be creating a legacy for the future that helps ensure that generations to come will have the opportunity to love and nurture this extraordinary natural and historical resource.
Bench Donation Program
The Trust’s Bench Donation Program enhances visitors’ experience in the C&O Canal by providing benches along the towpath and canal, while also supporting other beautification projects in the park.
How to Give
Online
Making a gift online using a credit card is quick, easy, and secure.
Mail
To donate by mail, simply send your check, made out to the C&O Canal Trust, to the address below. You may also wish to complete this form and mail it with your check or credit card information.
142 W Potomac St
Williamsport, MD 21795
Donor Advised Fund
You can support the park by directing gifts to the C&O Canal Trust through your donor-advised fund. Contact your institution to make your gift today.
IRA
If you are 70.5 years old or older, you can make a gift to the C&O Canal Trust directly from your IRA without having to pay income taxes on the money. This popular gift option is commonly called an IRA Charitable Rollover, but you may also see it referred to as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
You can give any amount (up to a maximum of $108,000) this year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as the Trust Foundation without having to pay income taxes on the money. Gifts of any value $108,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and you can feel good knowing that you are making a difference in the park!
Corporate Stewardship
The Trust works closely with our corporate partners in support of priority initiatives and service projects that protect the park and drive partners’ philanthropic and business goals. We offer a variety of options for our corporate partners, including the Corporate Stewardship program.
More Ways to Support the Park
Sponsorship
Join the C&O Canal Trust as a sponsor! We have a number of sponsorship opportunities each year.
Volunteer
Join the C&O Canal Trust as a volunteer! There are a variety of volunteer opportunities each year.
Shop
Browse our gear, books, apparel, and more — all purchases help protect and preserve the park!
Canal Quarters
Step back in time and help preserve history as you spend the night in one of seven historic lockhouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, the C&O Canal Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All gifts to the Trust are considered tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For a copy of our IRS designation letter, please contact [email protected]
What is the C&O Canal Trust's Tax Identification number?
The Trust’s Tax ID number is 30-0401642.
Where can I find the C&O Canal Trust's 990?
You can find the Trust’s 990 here:
Where can I find information on the C&O Canal Trust's Impact?
Visit our Accountability page to learn more about our impact last year. Check out our new strategic plan to view our goals for the future!
Where can I see a list of donors?
Thank you to everyone who gave during the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year! You can see our honor roll of donors here:
What is the C&O Canal Trust's charity rating?
The Trust has a four star rating from Charity Navigator, a Platinum Transparency seal from Candid, and is a critical nonprofit through Spur local.
More Questions?
We are here to help! Please contact our development team at [email protected] with any other questions or concerns.
Image Credits: Nicholas Clements, Simon Barber, Jan Branscome, National Park Service, Szemere Photography, Trust Staff, and ACB PRECISION FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY