Leave a Legacy
The Elephant Society
If you would like to leave a lasting legacy to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo you can become a member of the Elephant Society, our planned giving program. Your planned gift of any size will help create a secure future for the zoo and its education and conservation programs. Legacy contributions will be recognized in the Friends of the Zoo's annual report and on the donor recognition board at the zoo. In addition to benefiting the zoo for years to come your planned gift offers additional tax benefits, which you can discuss with your financial planner.
Be sure to name "Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo" as your beneficiary to ensure that your contribution benefits the zoo - and let us know when you do by:
1. Completing a copy of our planned giving pledge form and mailing to:
Attn: Development Department
Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
1 Conservation Place
Syracuse, NY 13204
2. Calling Director of Philanthropy, Gina Rapasadi at (315) 435-8511 x8534 to inform us.
Here are some simple ways to make a legacy contribution and become a member of the Elephant Society:
A Bequest
Include the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in your will. You can create a will if you do not currently have one, or add a codicil if you have an existing will. You can designate a percentage of your estate or a fixed amount. You can also give a residuary bequest for all or a portion of your estate after all debts, expenses and other beneficiaries have been paid.
A Gift of Stock
You can convert appreciated stock into a planned gift and avoid capital gains taxes. You may use the stock as an outright gift upon your death or to fund a charitable gift annuity.
401(k)
You can name the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo as the beneficiary of your 401(k) account, your IRA. Roth IRA or other tax, help the zoo and help reduce taxes to your heirs.
Gift Annuities
This popular option allows you to give a significant gift to the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and receive an income stream for life. Receive a generous interest rate on your investment and also receive a portion of your income tax-free.
Life Insurance
You can convert appreciated stock into a planned gift and avoid capital gains taxes. You may use the stock as an outright gift upon your death or to fund a charitable gift annuity.
Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo does not offer tax or financial planning advice.
Please contact your financial planning or accounting professional for advice on planned giving.
For more information on our planned giving program, the Elephant Society, please contact the zoo’s Development Department at (315) 435-8511 x8534 or email Gina Rapasadi at [email protected].
