Gift Planning
If John Ball Zoo has been an important part of you and your family’s life, consider creating a legacy that will help to secure the Zoo’s future by including the Zoo in your estate plan. Gift planning enables you to give gifts or assets that benefit your family now and in the future, and help sustain John Ball Zoo’s promise to protect and conserve some of the most remarkable creatures on earth while accommodating your personal, financial, and philanthropic goals.
There are many ways to support the Zoo, and some are as easy as designating John Ball Zoo as a beneficiary in your will or estate, your IRA or 401K plan, or your insurance policy. You can leave a certain dollar amount or percentage, specific property or a portion, or even the remainder of your estate to John Ball Zoo.
Charitable Gift Annuity
Receive lifetime payments as well as tax savings while you support your Zoo. Transfer cash or securities to the Zoo, and receive fixed annuity payments for life.
Bequest
Leave a lasting impact by naming John Ball Zoo in your will for a specific amount, a percentage of the total estate, or the residue of the estate.
Life Estate Agreement
Deed your residence to the Zoo now, enjoy an immediate income tax deduction, and continue to live at that residence for the rest of your life.
Life Insurance Policy
Donate a policy that is no longer needed for family protection or establish a new policy with the Zoo as beneficiary and deduct the annual premiums.
Charitable Remainder Trust
Give a gift of cash, securities or real estate to fund a trust that provides you income and names John Ball Zoo as the remainder beneficiary.
Retirement Plan
Designate the Zoo as beneficiary of a plan such as a 401(k) or IRA.
Gifts of Stock
Gift appreciated stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to make a significant and lasting impact on John Ball Zoo. Did you know that when you make a charitable gift of securities, you may be able to reduce or eliminate federal capital gains taxes and receive a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the asset upon transfer?
Donor Advised Fund
A donor advised fund (or DAF) might be a great solution for you. You can use a DAF to distribute gifts to numerous charities. With a DAF, you can make gifts to charity during your lifetime, and when you pass away, your children can carry on your legacy of giving.
Other Ways to Give
How to Start a Planned Gift
We will gladly assist you in finding possibilities that best suit your situation, and we will make the process of giving simple by working with you and your advisors. To discuss gift planning, please contact Amber Krieg in the Development Office at 616.336.4313 or email akrieg@jbzoo.org.
Confidentiality
You are under no obligation for making an inquiry regarding gift planning, and your correspondence will be held in the strictest confidence. Please let us know if we may be of assistance to you, your tax adviser, attorney, or stockbroker.
Have you already included John Ball Zoo in your plans? Please let us know so that we can properly thank you!
John Ball Zoo is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation (tax ID #38-6076879). This information is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.