Become A Donor — Planned Gifts

Whether you choose to create your own fund or support an existing fund, you can finance either option in one of two ways: with either an immediate gift of cash, stock, or other asset, or with a planned gift. There are many ways to make a planned gift to TOF, which are briefly outlined below. It is usually best to begin the discussion of a planned gift with your tax advisor, or call us at 202-887-8992. Download Our Printable Brochure.

• Bequests - The simplest gift is a bequest in your will or trust that directs specific assets or a percentage of your estate to establish a fund or to add to an existing fund. A bequest can create an endowed fund from which earnings will be used to make grants for conservation, it can be a one time gift that is entrusted to us to spend as quickly as possible for the maximum conservation benefit, or it can be designed to be paid out over a set number of years.
• Charitable Remainder Trusts - Through an irrevocable trust, you receive fixed or variable payments for your lifetime or a term of years. The remainder passes to TOF, creating a permanent fund in your name to benefit the charitable cause that you designate, or to establish a Donor Advised Fund at TOF.
• Charitable Lead Trusts - Your income-producing asset funds a trust with a gift of the income flowing to TOF during the term of the trust. Remaining assets go to your heirs free of tax on the asset's appreciation.
• Charitable Gift Annuities - A simple contract guarantees you a fixed income in exchange for a gift to TOF. Annuity rates are set by the American Council on Gift Annuities.
• Pooled Income Fund - Contributing at least $50,000 to a common trust maintained by the Ocean Foundation pays you a percentage of the trust's income for life.
• Life Estates - You contribute your primary home, a vacation home or a farm to the Ocean Foundation, but you retain the right to use it during your lifetime. You receive an immediate tax deduction, and the property is not included in your estate.
• Bargain Sales - You sell an asset to TOF for less than fair market value, and the difference between the sales price and the fair market value is the value of your charitable contribution.
• Retirement Plan and Insurance Beneficiary Designations - You can create a named fund at TOF by designating us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan such as an IRA or 401(k) or a life insurance policy. At death, the assets transfer to the Ocean Foundation, reducing estate and income taxes.