Charitable Gift Planning

Legacy Society: Making a Difference Today and in the Future

From an early age, Bill knew what he most wanted to do: be outside, create gardens and grow vegetables, help his neighbors, and care for the animals by contributing to the Zoo...

There are many ways to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations, while realizing tax savings and other benefits for you and your loved ones.

Make a Meaningful Impact Today

Gift of Stock

A gift of appreciated stock may save capital gains tax and provide an income tax deduction.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

Recommend a grant now or name Zoo New England as the remainder beneficiary of your fund.

Give Directly from Your IRA

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). This allows you to support animal care, conservation, and education immediately and may:

Count toward your Required Minimum Distribution and reduce your taxable income (if age 73+)
Reduce your taxable estate (if age 70 1/2+)

Please note, your gift must be made directly from your IRA custodian to Zoo New England. A QCD cannot be sent to you, a donor advised fund, or a private foundation. In 2026, you can contribute up to $111,000 in QCDs.

Leverage Life’s Changes

If you plan to sell a vacation home or appreciated asset, expect a spike in income, wish to leave retirement funds to someone other than a spouse, or want to convey more to your heirs, a Charitable Lead Trust or Charitable Remainder Trust may help you:

Save capital gains tax
Receive income for life or leave more to your heirs
Support your Zoos now or in the future

Create Your Legacy

Naming Zoo New England as a beneficiary of your estate planning and financial accounts may reduce taxes for your heirs.

Will or Trust

IRA, 401(k), or Other Retirement Account*
Simply name Zoo New England as a beneficiary on your retirement fund’s beneficiary designation form.

Bank or Investment Account*
Consider a Totten Trust or payable-on-death (POD) account for checking, savings, certificates of deposit, and savings bonds, and a transfer-on-death (TOD) arrangement for investment funds.

*These direct distributions do not go through probate.

You can leave a specific amount, percentage, or the remainder of your estate. If you are considering a legacy gift for a particular purpose, please contact Zoo New England before finalizing your plans, as specific programs can change over time. Charitable bequests are exempt from federal and Massachusetts estate tax.

Consult your Financial, Tax and Estate Planning Advisor

As with any charitable gift, please consult your financial, tax and estate planning advisors to evaluate any potential charitable gift in the context of your specific circumstances. Zoo New England and its staff do not provide financial, tax or legal advice.

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 $(X) to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124).”
For a specific piece of property. "I bequeath to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124) my _________ (vacation home, art or antiques collection, etc.)."
If considering a bequest of a specific piece of property or tangible assets, please contact Zoo New England, so we can ensure the greatest impact and optimal outcome of your gift.
For your residual estate. "I devise and bequeath the remainder of the property owned by me at my death, real and personal and wherever situate, to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124)."
For a specific purpose. "I bequeath to the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation DBA Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 (Federal Tax ID # 043-129-124), the sum of _______ dollars ($________) 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.

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