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What is the Purpose for Each Fund?
Orndorff Legacy Fund
The Orndorff Legacy Fund, created by the Sheltowee Trace Association (STA), ensures a lasting future for the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail (STNRT) and the STA's mission. Designed for "legacy" gifts, the fund secures permanent support by preserving the principal while using only the generated interest for key initiatives such as programs, staff support, and trail preservation. It serves as a financial bedrock that empowers the STA to continue inspiring people to hike, bike, and explore Kentucky's Long Trail.
Supporters are encouraged to include the Orndorff Legacy Fund in their wills or estate plans, contributing to a stable future for the STA’s work. Donations can be made directly by choosing a support level, or through property and other long-term gifts with guidance from a financial adviser. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions are tax-deductible, making this a meaningful and impactful way to help preserve the Sheltowee Trace for generations to come.
Gary Rue Access and Development Fund
The Gary Rue Access and Development Fund was created by the Sheltowee Trace Association (STA) to honor Gary Rue of Frankfort, Kentucky—a dedicated supporter who tragically lost his life while hiking the Sheltowee Trace. This fund reflects Gary’s deep commitment to the trail and STA's mission, serving as a lasting tribute to his memory and passion for the outdoors.
By making a tax-deductible contribution to the Gary Rue Fund, supporters can directly aid in expanding access to the Sheltowee Trace, enhancing infrastructure, and connecting the trail’s northern and southern ends to the National Trails System. Every donation helps the STA continue its work in improving the trail experience for all users, ensuring Gary’s legacy lives on through continued progress on Kentucky’s Long Trail.
Leadership Development Fund
The Leadership Development Fund supports the Sheltowee Trace Association’s (STA) ongoing mission to build strong, professional leadership capable of turning vision into reality. As trail use and organizational demands grow, this fund helps equip STA’s staff with the resources and stability needed to meet emerging challenges and seize new opportunities.
Your tax-deductible contribution to the Leadership Development Fund ensures that STA leadership can continue guiding the organization with confidence and purpose. By investing in the people behind the mission, you're helping sustain the momentum needed to protect, maintain, and grow the Sheltowee Trace for generations to come.
Martin Outdoor Recreation Fund
The Martin Outdoor Recreation Fund was established by the Sheltowee Trace Association (STA) to honor lifetime members Karen and David Martin for their enduring passion for the outdoors and their dedication to encouraging people of all ages to explore nature. Karen, a 2017 Hiker Challenge graduate, and David, nearing completion of his End to End journey, have long inspired others to experience the Sheltowee Trace and the natural beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork.
This fund supports STA programs designed to introduce outdoor adventure to individuals and families with little or no previous experience. From initiatives like the Introduction to Backpacking Program to structured trail experiences for youth, every dollar donated to the Martin Fund goes directly toward helping new adventurers discover the Trace. Your tax-deductible gift helps break down barriers to outdoor access and continues the Martins’ legacy of welcoming more people into the wilderness.
“You never know when you’ll cross paths with your next best friend!”
Jo Hendershot
“[STA Hiker Challenge] is life-changing. It’s healing. And it builds friendships you never knew you needed.”
Floyd Schanz
“What an awesome experience!!!…[STA Hiker Challenge] is so well organized and you meet such nice people that they become your family!”
Laura Gunnels Petra
“…Future end to enders! Love this trail!!”
Bryan Riddle
Designate Your IRA Charitable Distribution to the STA Legacy Fund.
Ensure the Future of the STA!
If you are 70½ years old or older, there is a simple way to help the STA and receive tax benefits in return. You can donate any amount up to $100,000 per person per year from your IRA directly to a qualified institution like the STA without paying income taxes on the donation. This gift option is often called the IRA charitable rollover, but you may also see it referred to as a qualified charitable distribution or simply QCD for short.
Why Consider This Gift?
You pay no income taxes on the donation. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
If you reached the age of 70½ on or before Dec. 31, 2019, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution for the year. If you turn 70½ on or after Jan. 1, 2020, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution starting at the age of 72. (Note: The RMD requirement has been waived for 2020, per the CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020.)
Since the gift doesn’t count as income, it can reduce your annual income level. This may help lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax.
Next Steps?
Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
Ask your IRA administrator about making a direct transfer to the Sheltowee Trace Association or have the administrator send a check from your account to us. (To be tax-free, the donation must go directly from your account to the Sheltowee Trace Association without passing through your hands.)
Legal name: Sheltowee Trace Association
Address: P.O. Box 6530, Florence KY 41042
Federal tax ID number: 27-1471336
eBay Giving Works
What Is eBay Giving Works?
eBay Giving Works was designed to make it easy for eBay users (buyers and sellers) to support important causes—in the U.S. and abroad. Today, it enables sellers to donate a portion of their sales—and buyers to shop—while also supporting their favorite charities. This also gives nonprofits an opportunity to engage new supporters and broaden the support for their cause.
How Does eBay Giving Works…Work?
The process is simple: you’ll see the eBay Giving Works section when you go through the listing process. All you have to do is choose Sheltowee Trace Association and donation percentage (10-100%).
Next, when your items sell, your donation will be automatically collected through eBay’s nonprofit partner, PayPal Giving Fund, and you’ll automatically receive a tax receipt. PayPal Giving Fund then passes along 100% of your donation to the STA—and you’re done.
Kroger Community Rewards
The Kroger Community Rewards program makes donating to the STA easy by shopping like you do every day. Once you link your Card to the STA, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card. Here’s how it works:
1. Create a digital account.
A digital account is needed to participate in Kroger Community Rewards. If you already have a digital account, simply link your Shopper’s Card to your account so that all transactions apply toward the organization you choose.
2. Link your Card to the STA.
Selecting to support the STA is as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account.
1. Sign in to your digital account.
2. Search for the Sheltowee Trace Association here.
3. Enter “Sheltowee Trace Association” or the NPO number (coming soon).
4. Select Sheltowee Trace Association from the list and click “Save.”
The STA will also display in the Kroger Community Rewards section of your account. If you need to review or revisit your organization, you can always do so under your Account details.
3. The STA earns.
Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program at no added cost to you. Kroger donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations.
