With just a few words, you can make a huge difference.
It’s true! Your support of the Minnesota Zoo can last far beyond your lifetime — and it only takes a few minutes to make it happen. Here are two popular ways to make your dedication continue for generations:
1. Include us in your will or living trust.
How do I set it up? Add as little as one sentence (often referred to as “bequest language”) saying you want to support us. With the help of your estate planning attorney or your will-planning website, you can give a specific amount of cash or securities, a piece of property or a percentage of your estate.
What if I need to change it? No problem! You can alter your will or trust whenever you like. Even so, there are great benefits to informing us of your gift: We can ensure that it is used exactly as you wish (just fill out our gift intention form), and you become eligible to join a community of other dedicated givers who make up our legacy society.
2. Name the Minnesota Zoo Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy or commercial annuity.
How do I set it up? Contact your retirement plan administrator, insurance company, bank or financial institution for a change-of-beneficiary form or ask how you can change beneficiaries online. On the form, list the percentage you would like us to receive.
What if I need to change it? You can modify beneficiary designations at any time. Review them every two to three years, because your assets may never reach your intended recipients if you did not keep the beneficiary designations up to date.
Let Us Help You Take the Next Step
We would be happy to work with you on making a long-lasting impact through your will or trust or through a beneficiary designation. Contact Office of Planned Giving at 952.431.9237 or plannedgiving@mnzoo.org to discuss your options.