Giving Strategies

What Will Your Legacy Be?

When you leave a charitable gift to the Smithsonian Science Education Center in your will, trust or by beneficiary designation, you forever become part of transforming K-12 Education through Science™ in collaboration with communities across the globe. Your gift will help the SSEC to remain an exciting place of learning and discovery and will help to educate and inspire future generations.

Make a Gift to the SSEC in Your Will or Trust

Leaving a gift in your will or revocable living trust is a wonderful way to ensure that your support of the Smithsonian Science Education Center impacts generations to come.

You may designate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to the SSEC, while leaving other assets to your family and friends.

There is no minimum requirement. Every gift counts.

To make a gift in your will or trust, follow these simple steps:

  1. Provide your attorney with the following sample language: "I give the [residue of my estate], [__% of the residue of my estate], or [the sum of ___dollars] to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC for the benefit of the Smithsonian Science Education Center."
  2. Notify us so we can keep you updated on everything going on at the SSEC.

Make a Gift to the SSEC by Beneficiary Designation

Naming the Smithsonian Science Education Center as the beneficiary of a retirement account is a smart way to give. Income from a retirement account is often taxed more heavily than other assets and so may become a liability for your loved ones.

Because the Smithsonian Science Education Center is tax-exempt, 100 percent of your gift will go toward creating your legacy. You can also name the SSEC as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, certificate of deposit, bank or brokerage account, as well as a donor-advised fund.

To make a gift by beneficiary designation, follow these steps:

  1. Contact your retirement plan administrator, bank, broker, or insurance company and request a beneficiary form.
  2. Write "Smithsonian Institution, for the benefit of the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Washington, DC, Federal Tax ID Number 53-0206027" as a sole, partial, or contingent beneficiary of your account.
  3. Sign and return the beneficiary form to your plan administrator and keep a copy for your files.
  4. Notify us so we can keep you up to date on everything we do here at the SSEC.

A Gift that Pays You Back

When you create a charitable gift annuity with the Smithsonian Institution, you receive stable annual payments for life and a charitable income tax deduction in the year you make the donation.

A gift annuity is simple and flexible, and it gives you the satisfaction of making a gift that benefits you now and provides future support to the Smithsonian Science Education Center. For more information on charitable gift annuities, please email Kayla Powitz or call 202-633-2975.