The other day, a colleague here at ANR had one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. After years of fighting alongside communities for smokefree air protections, working late nights on campaigns, and celebrating victories large and small, they suddenly realized something: they’d been so focused on the day-to-day work that they hadn’t thought about their own future—or more importantly, how their personal legacy could continue supporting the cause they’d dedicated their career to.

“I’ve been helping support the smokefree movement for years,” they told me, “but I never really stopped to wonder about what happens after I’m gone. I’m at that point now though where I’m seriously thinking, ‘What if I could keep fighting for clean air, even then?’”

It was a powerful reminder that those of us who care deeply about this work have a unique opportunity to ensure the fight continues long after we’re here to lead it ourselves.

The Reality We’re Still Facing

For nearly 50 years, ANR has maintained the staff and resources to assist communities as they fight for smokefree air—even through a worldwide pandemic. But here’s the truth in 2025, 37.3% of the U.S. population still lives without strong smokefree air laws. Casino workers, musicians, gig workers, bar and restaurant staff, and people in multi-unit housing remain vulnerable to secondhand smoke exposure. If we can’t push forward into the future, we face the very real risk of losing ground to Big Tobacco.

Your Legacy Can Change That

Many years ago we established the Smokefree Air Society—ANR’s legacy giving program. This community is made up of individuals like you who have chosen to recognize ANR or the ANR Foundation in their wills and estate plans, or have named us as a beneficiary in retirement or insurance plans.

As Smokefree Air Society member Gail Becker shared, “I am proud to know that my legacy will support and strengthen” the fight for clean air. One of our board members, Dr. Joel Dunnington echoed this sentiment, noting his commitment, “to make the U.S. smokefree and to protect the right to breathe.”

Making your plans can help us in years to come—protecting future generations from the tobacco industry’s predatory practices and the devastating health impacts of secondhand smoke.

Already have a will? Consider these options:

  • Name Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights or American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation as a beneficiary in your retirement account (IRA, 401(k))
  • Designate us as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy
  • Include a bequest in your will—whether a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other distributions

Have you already included us in your plans? Please let us know by filling out our Statement of Intent form so we can formally recognize your generosity. If you prefer to remain anonymous, we’ll absolutely respect your wishes.

Don’t have a will or trust? We can suggest FreeWill, a free online resource that guides you through creating an estate plan in as little as 20 minutes. It’s accessible, legally valid, and can be completed entirely online. You can use it on its own or to document your wishes before finalizing plans with an attorney. You can also easily name us by finding and connecting our name in the field where it asks for designating gifts to charity.

Begin your free will today!

  • ANR Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; donations are tax-deductible and support education programs
  • ANR is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization; donations are not tax-deductible and support advocacy work

Both are fighting for the same goal: a smokefree generation, free from addiction and the health problems caused by tobacco.

Questions?

We encourage you to reach out to our Donor Relations team:

  • Email: heidi.wohlwend@no-smoke.org
  • Phone: (510) 841-3032

Your support has already given millions of people cleaner, safer air to breathe. By joining the Smokefree Air Society, you ensure that impact continues protecting future generations—creating a lasting legacy that truly matters.

Because the work of building a smokefree future doesn’t end with us. It continues through the thoughtful planning we do today!

-Heidi Wohlwend, Donor Relations at ANR/F