The information furnished on these pages is intended as general reference material as you consider making a planned gift to the National Geographic Society. Please remember that it should not be considered specific advice for your situation. You should always consult with your attorney or qualified financial adviser before making philanthropic gifts.
One of the simplest ways to make a gift to the National Geographic Society is through a provision in your will or living trust. A bequest is a gift of any amount or form made outright to the Society. Charitable bequests may be designed when a new will is executed, or added to an existing will through a codicil.
Our most popular gift plan, a gift annuity is an easy way to make a gift to the Society and secure a consistent source of income for yourself or your loved ones.
Use our
Planned Giving Calculator for a personal illustration of how life-income gifts can work for you.
Similar to an annuity, trusts provide a source of income, while also offering a remarkably versatile way to broaden your estate plan. They can provide the potential for increased life income for you and loved ones, tax benefits, and a means to support a favorite charitable organization or several different beneficiaries.
If you own property that is fully paid off and has appreciated in value, an outright gift may be the simplest solution. You can deduct the fair market value of your gift, avoid all capital gains taxes, and remove that asset from your taxable estate. You can also transfer the deed of your home or farm to the Society today, and keep the right to use the property for your lifetime and that of your spouse.
A charitable lead trust allows you to make a donation now while reducing the tax costs for your heirs in the future. Income generated by the trust supports the important work of National Geographic for a designated period of years, after which the assets pass to your heirs.
For information on how to make a contribution to the National Geographic Society, please contact your professional adviser and the Office of Gift Planning at 800 226 4438 or via email at
plannedgiftinfo@ngs.org.
The information on our Web site is not intended as financial or legal advice. Please consult your own qualified advisers as you consider philanthropic gifts.
