The Toledo Zoo - Toledo Zoological Society Foundation

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Toledo Zoological Society Foundation

Planning for the Future

The mission of the Toledo Zoological Society Foundation is to secure the long-term future of the Zoo, including its animal collections, education and conservation programs, magnificent gardens and historic WPA-era buildings.

A gift to the Zoo's endowment and planned giving are convenient ways that you can help to ensure that your Toledo Zoo will continue to delight and educate visitors for generations to come.

Gifts to the Endowment:
A gift to the endowment is one of the best ways to provide lasting support for The Toledo Zoo. Funds designated for the Zoo's endowment are carefully invested to yield a steady, reliable source of income despite the inevitable fluctuations in community support and earned income.

Zoo Bench

Bequests:
The easiest way to make a planned gift is simply to name The Toledo Zoo Foundation in your will. The bequest can consist of property, securities, real estate, cash or anything else of value.

Charitable Trusts:
These versatile planned gifts have many advantages. To establish a Charitable Remainder Trust, you transfer assets to a trust and name The Toledo Zoo Foundation as beneficiary. You receive income from the trust for your lifetime. With Charitable Lead Trusts, The Toledo Zoo Foundation will receive a fixed amount or a percentage of the trust assets each year. After your death, the remaining assets will be given to the beneficiary you named. In this way, you give The Toledo Zoo immediate income yet still provide for your heirs.

Charitable Gift Annuities:
With these planned gifts, you transfer assets to The Toledo Zoo Foundation in exchange for regular fixed payments for your lifetime -- and the life of a second beneficiary, if you choose.

There are tax advantages associated with each option, so we recommend that you consult with your tax advisor prior to choosing a form of charitable giving. You will also become eligible for membership in the prestigious Silverback Society, which entitles you to several exclusive benefits.

Just as the bold silverback gorilla defends and provides for his family, you can help to preserve and protect one of our community's most important family institutions.

If you would like more information about the Toledo Zoological Society Foundation, planned giving, or the Silverback Society, please contact The Toledo Zoo's Development Office at 419-385-5721 or mary.fedderke@toledozoo.org.

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Silverback Society