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Download My KitAn easy and flexible way to include the Zoo in your gift planning is to make the Minnesota Zoo a beneficiary on one of the following:
- IRAs and retirement plans
- Life insurance policies
- Donor advised funds
- Commercial annuities
It is very simple to name the Minnesota Zoo as a beneficiary. Start by requesting a change-of-beneficiary form from your policy administrator or download the form from your provider's website. Make your desired changes and return the form to establish your gift.
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Download our FREE guide Beneficiary Designations: Easy Ways to Leave Your Legacy.
An Example of How It Works
Robert and Carol treasure the financial help they've been able to give their children and the Zoo over the years. The couple recently updated their will to leave stocks and real estate to their kids. They left the Zoo a $75,000 IRA to be transferred following their lifetime. Because the Zoo is tax-exempt, all $75,000 will help support our mission.
If Robert and Carol had left the IRA to their children, approximately $18,000* would have gone to pay federal income taxes — leaving only $57,000 for their family's use. Robert and Carol are happy knowing they are making the most of their hard-earned money thanks to their updated estate plan.
*Based on an assumption of a 24% marginal income tax bracket.