Guardian Society

BE PART OF THE LASTING LEGACY

We are proud to announce the launch of the AKC Museum of the Dog Guardian Society, which gives you the opportunity to remember the museum in your long-term charitable plans. The Guardian Society recognizes all donors who pledge a planned gift to the AKC Museum of the Dog.

Guardian Society members will enjoy exclusive members events, special recognition opportunities, and the satisfaction of knowing that their forward thinking will benefit museum goers for generations to come.

PLANNED / ESTATE GIFTS

By including the Museum in your estate plans, you’re creating a lasting legacy that will help to preserve, interpret and celebrate the role of dogs in society. In addition, you are helping to educate the public about the human-canine bond through its collection of art and exhibits that inspire engagement with dogs. This is your moment to leave your mark on the mission of the Museum and cement your name and philanthropic gift as a member of the AKC Museum of the Dog Guardian Society.

BEQUESTS

Making a bequest – a gift made in your will or living trust – to the AKC Museum of the Dog is a powerful way to impact the Museum and its stakeholders for years to come. Bequests can be a specific amount, percentage, or remainder of assets. While we advise legal consultation, sample language for a bequest includes: I give and bequeath to the AKC Museum of the Dog ____% of my total estate (or $ ___).

RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS

Your most efficient estate planning option may be leaving all or a portion of your retirement plan to charity, because tax laws often subject these assets to income and estate taxes upon death. Many techniques can be used to avoid income taxes that can total close to 40 percent. At the same time, you can pass more tax-favored assets to your family.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

A charitable gift annuity – usually cash or stock gifts – allows you to support the AKC Museum of the Dog while receiving a tax deduction and fixed flow of income from the Museum for the rest of your life. Payments depend on age at the time of donation.

BANK ACCOUNT & CD’S

Name us as the “payable-on-death” of your bank accounts or on certificates of deposit. You own the assets for your lifetime and have them available for your use. Upon your death, the assets pass directly to us without going through probate.

LIFE INSURANCE

Rather than cancel policies you no longer need, you could name the Museum as the beneficiary, or simply donate the policies outright.

DONATE SECURITIES

To donate stocks or mutual funds, please email us for more information!

To learn more about planned giving and estate gifts, please reach out to our Donor Support team today! Email us using the contact button below or call 212-696-8364.

OTHER GIFT OPTIONS

These are more ways that you can become a member of the Guardian Society and provide for the museum in your estate plans.

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST

A charitable remainder trust pays a fixed or variable income to the donor. The payments are made either for life or a period of time not to exceed 20 years. At the end of the trust’s term, the balance in the trust supports our mission. You’ll also receive a partial income tax eduction.

CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST

This type of charitable trust pays income to one or more charitable organizations, typically for a period of years, after which the remaining trust assets pass to family members or can be directed back to the AKC Museum of the Dog.

IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER

Those who are 70 ½ or older can give up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to the AKC Museum of the Dog without having to pay income taxes on the money. If you are 72 or older, this gift can also satisfy your required minimum distribution.

If you are interested in learning more about these alternative, tax-deductible giving options, please click the link below to contact the donor support team directly. Discuss your options today!