There are many meaningful ways to support the natural world—today and for future generations. Planned gifts allow you to make a lasting impact while often offering financial benefits to you and your loved ones.
You can name Zoo New England as a beneficiary of your:
- Will or trust
- IRA or 401(k)
- Life insurance policy
- Retirement or investment account
You can leave a specific amount, percentage, or the remainder of your estate. All charitable bequests are exempt from Federal Estate and Massachusetts Inheritance taxes.
Give Directly from Your IRA (Age 70½+)
If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). In 2025, you can give up to $108,000. This limit may adjust annually for inflation.
A QCD may:
- Reduce your taxable income
- Count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (if age 73+)
- Support wildlife immediately
Please note, the gift must transfer directly from your IRA custodian to Zoo New England. QCDs cannot go to donor-advised funds or private foundations.
Other Popular Legacy Gifts
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
Recommend a grant now or name Zoo New England as the remainder beneficiary of your fund.
(Note: DAF gifts cannot fulfill a QCD.)
Life-Income Gifts
Charitable gift annuities and trusts can provide income to you or a loved one while supporting the Zoo in the future.
Retirement Plans & Insurance
Naming the Zoo as a beneficiary may reduce taxes for your heirs.
2026 Tax Changes: Consider Giving in 2025
Federal charitable deduction rules are scheduled to change in 2026. Giving in 2025 may offer more favorable tax benefits. Whatever your choice, please consult your attorney or tax advisor for guidance.
Already Included the Zoo in Your Plans?
We would love to thank you and recognize your generosity!
Please let us know by contacting our Development Office at 617-379-5190 or development@zoonewengland.org.
Your Privacy Matters
All conversations about planned giving are confidential. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and work with your attorney or financial advisor to support your planning.
To name Zoo New England in your will or trust, we recommend the following language:
While you should always seek the advice of a qualified professional when planning the disposition of your estate, the following language may be useful to you and your attorney as you review ways in which you can best include Zoo New England in your will or revocable trust.
- For a specific amount. "I bequeath to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124), the sum of _______ dollars ($_____) for its general purposes."
- For a percentage of your estate. "I bequeath to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124), ___% of my adjusted gross estate as finally determined for federal estate tax purposes."
- For combining a Percentage and a Specific Bequest. “I leave the greater of (X)% of my estate or $(X) to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124).”
- For a specific piece of property. "I bequeath to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124) my _________ (art collection, etc.)."
- For your residual estate. "I devise and bequeath the remainder of the property owned by me at my death, real and personal and wherever situate, to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124)."
- For a specific purpose. "I bequeath to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124), the sum of _______ dollars ($________) to be used for _________________."
Zoo New England can assist you with understanding how to include us in your estate plans. Please let us know how we can help.
