Ways of Giving

Your gift to the California Academy of Sciences supports groundbreaking scientific research and innovative public programs that further our mission to explore, explain, and protect the natural world. Whether you wish to make an appreciated stock transfer or a planned gift, you can choose from many different options.

Stock Gifts

Gifts of appreciated stock and mutual funds are not subject to the federal capital gains tax, and such gifts may be deductible at their full market value, less the value of benefits provided by your Academy membership. To initiate a stock gift please call the Development Department at (415) 379-5405. To assist us in processing your gift, please complete the Authorization to Transfer Assets form and return by fax to (415) 379-5750.

IRA

If you have been considering an Annual Fund gift transfer from your IRA or Roth IRA, the recent Emergency Economic Stabilization Act makes it possible for you to make a tax-free contribution from your IRA to the Academy through 2009. With an additional year now available, donors may find distinct advantages in contributing to the Academy directly using their IRA funds.

The extension through 2009 allows individuals who are at least 70 1/2 years of age to transfer funds tax-free from an IRA. Up to $100,000 per individual per year is allowed under this act. The distribution of funds is not reported as income and carries no federal income tax penalties. The donor should still confirm that there are no state income tax laws affecting this donation.

To qualify, donors must :

Distribute funds directly from their IRA to the California Academy of Sciences
Be at least 70 1/2 years of age when the gift is made
Distribute funds up to $100,000 in a calendar year per individual (married couples may be eligible for $100,000 per person)
Direct their gifts to a qualified charity, such as the California Academy of Sciences, and not first to a donor advised fund, private foundation, or personal account

For more information on how to contribute to the Academy from your IRA account, please contact Louise Gregory at (415) 379-5407 or . We will be happy to help you plan a gift that supports the Academy's mission and future growth.

Checks/Credit Card/Online

Gifts to the Annual Fund can be made by mailing a check made out to the California Academy of Sciences to the following address:

Attn: Development Department
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
GGP
San Francisco, CA 94118

or by making an donation online.

Corporate Matching Gifts

If you or your spouse work for or has retired from a corporation that operates a Matching Gift Program, your contribution to the California Academy of Sciences may be matched by your employer-doubling your impact to the Academy. In addition, if your employer conducts an annual charitable gift drive, you can designate the California Academy of Sciences to be the recipient of your payroll deduction gift. Please ask your Human Resource office if you have a Matching Gift Program or Workplace Giving Program.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like more information or have questions.

(800) 794-7576