Leave a legacy for the sanctuaries you love

The Sanctuary Legacy Society

Donors who have notified the Foundation of a planned gift are recognized as members of the Sanctuary Legacy Society — stewarded by the Foundation's development team with annual briefings, behind-the-scenes program updates, and an invitation to the annual Legacy Society reception.

The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) (EIN: 52-1668544). Planned gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Foundation recommends consulting your own tax or legal advisor before finalizing a planned gift.

Ways to give

• Bequest in your will

  Name the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation as a beneficiary of a fixed amount, a percentage, or the residue of your estate. The simplest planned gift to set up.

• IRA charitable rollover

  If you are 70½ or older, distribute up to $108,000 (2026) directly from your IRA to the Foundation without paying income tax on the withdrawal.

• Beneficiary designation

  Name the Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, donor-advised fund, or commercial annuity. A revocable, paperwork-light option.

• Charitable gift annuity

  Make a gift today and receive fixed lifetime payments in return. Annuity rates depend on your age at the time of the gift.

• Charitable remainder trust

  Place assets in a trust that pays you (or a loved one) income for life or a set term, with the remainder going to the Foundation.

• Gift of appreciated stock

  Donate appreciated securities held more than one year — avoid capital-gains tax and deduct the full fair-market value.