Help Restore the North American Bison

A memorial remembers friends and lovedones who were passionate about bison. Today, families often suggest that friends contribute to a memorial fund set up in the name of the deceased in lieu of sending flowers. The National Buffalo Museum will assist in creating a memorial. When gifts are received, a special acknowledgment will be sent to whomever you indicate.

Honorariums pay tribute to those whose diligence, achievements, or example has had noteworthy impact on their communities, the environment, the bison industry or society.

Your attorney can help you determine the language best suited to your circumstances to provide for museum in your will. Please make sure you contact us with your intentions.

In many cases, leaving your legacy can be as easy as adding the following bequest language to your will:

I, [name], of [city, state, zip code], give, devise and bequeath to National Buffalo Museum [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use andpurpose.

Income-producing trusts are a valuable option for donors who wish to benefit from their gift. Assets are put in a trust which pays a minimum of 5% annually to you or other non-charitable beneficiaries. When those payments are no longer made, through a fixed term or at one’s death, the trust’s remainder goes to the National Buffalo Museum.

Giving stocks and bonds that you have owned for more than one year which have increased in value can provide strong benefits.You may deduct the full market value of the securities and avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation. Your deduction is up to 30% of your income, with a five year carryover.

401K or IRA accounts can also be used as charitable gifts. Any amount left in these accounts at the death of an individual is otherwise taxed as ordinary income and then exposed to estate taxes as well. Non-profits (Foundations) can be named as beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries for these retirement accounts.

Making a gift of a life insurance policy, existing or new, can be an economical way to give. Naming the National Buffalo Museum as both owner and beneficiary of a paid-up policy entitles you to a deduction equal to the policy’s cost basis. Making a gift of a policy that is not paid-up provides you with a tax deduction approximately equal to the policy’s cash surrender value. Making a gift with a new policy, with the Museum as owner and beneficiary, allows you to deduct premium payment donations to the Museum that allows the Museum to pay the premiums.