Many of us are compelled to make a difference — to leave a lasting impact on our friends and family, and the world in which we live. At the Museum of Science, we strive to create a world where science belongs to each of us, for the good of all of us. Your gift can help inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.

There is an array of ways you can contribute. Some allow you to make a difference right away, others preserve flexibility for you, and some can provide an income to you or others in exchange for your contribution.

Outright Contribution

Your outright contribution of cash or appreciated securities makes a difference right away. Giving with appreciated securities offers the added benefit of greater tax advantages.

IRA Accounts

If you are 70½ or older, you can make an outright contribution from your IRA and avoid income taxes.

Gift by Will or Trust

A charitable contribution in your will or other estate plan is a gift that is made at the end of your lifetime. You reserve the flexibility to change your gift at any time.

Beneficiary Designation

A beneficiary designation is a flexible and simple way to make a contribution that does not require a change to your will. By making the Museum a beneficiary of your bank or other financial accounts, you can support the Museum with a direct contribution after your passing

Retirement Accounts

By designating the Museum a beneficiary of your qualified retirement plan upon your passing, you avoid the income tax your estate or heirs would have paid on those funds.

Life Income Gift

If you are concerned about income, a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity can be attractive. Although there are differences, both allow you to make a charitable contribution now and receive payments in return. Depending upon the plan, the payment amount can be fixed or variable and can last for one or more lifetimes or a term of years. You receive an income tax deduction for the value of the contribution and avoid or postpone capital gains tax if you contribute appreciated property for the life income plan.

We look forward to working with you and your advisors to ensure that your gift will become an enduring and meaningful legacy for many years to come. If you have questions about making a legacy gift or other estate planning questions, please contact our office of gift planning at giftplanning@mos.org or call 617-589-4417.