Photograph by Walter Meayers Edwards
Benefits
If you own property that is fully paid off and has appreciated in value, an outright gift may be the simplest way to make a gift to National Geographic. A retained life estate allows you to transfer the deed of your home or farm to the Society today while keeping the right to use the property for your lifetime and that of your spouse. In the year that you make your gift, you will be entitled to an income tax deduction for a substantial portion of your home's value. By making the gift, you may reduce future estate taxes and probate costs.
How a Retained Life Estate Works
Under the terms of a retained life estate, you transfer your primary residence or farm to National Geographic. You continue to live in your home for as long as you choose and are responsible for your home's upkeep, property taxes, and other expenses. After you and your spouse pass away, the property transfers to National Geographic. Your home is then sold and the proceeds are used to support the Society’s mission.
Use our Planned Giving Calculator for a personal illustration of how life-income gifts can work for you.
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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.
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Donor Stories
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Grace Cleere
“National Geographic shines a spotlight on the critical issues of the day and proposes innovative solutions that are grounded in science. I feel good about my legacy knowing that National Geographic will leverage my gift so it can have the greatest impact,” says Grace Cleere, who recently named National Geographic as a beneficiary in her will. Read More
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Explore Tomorrow
Read the latest issue of Explore Tomorrow, and learn how you can secure your financial future with a planned gift to the Society.
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National Geographic
Office of Gift Planning
1145 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: +1 202 862 8638
800 226 4438 (U.S. and Canada only)
Email: plannedgiftinfo@ngs.org
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Fax: +1 202 429 5709
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National Geographic News
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Marine Protected Areas Make a Difference
In collaboration with the Chilean Navy, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala and Oceana scientists traveled to remote and largely unexplored Salas y Gómez Island, some 200 miles east of Easter Island, Chile. There they conducted the first systematic survey of life in the waters of Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park and its surroundings. Data collected revealed that waters in the park are a biodiversity hotspot for reef fish, and point to the importance of marine protected areas. National Geographic's Ocean Initiative, supported by the donations of individuals, corporations, and foundations, is working to protect the last healthy, undisturbed places in the ocean.