FUTURE GIFTS
Retirement & Other Assets
By naming the National Geographic Society as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy, you make the most cost-effective gift you can, saving other less-taxed assets for loved ones.
Call 800-226-4438 or email legacy@ngs.org to find out how the legacy you leave can make a powerful difference for our planet.
We believe everyone should have access to estate planning tools, so we’ve sponsored your account for free. Claim your account today.
Three Ways to Give Assets
- Retirement Assets
When you name the National Geographic Society as a beneficiary of your retirement account, you avoid the double taxation of federal estate and income taxes. It’s the most cost-effective gift you can make and allows you to leave other, less heavily taxed assets to your loved ones.
- Life Insurance
Insurance policies that have outlasted their original purpose provide a wonderful way to create your conservation legacy. You can make the National Geographic Society a beneficiary on your life insurance policy or you can sign over a fully paid policy.
- Real Estate
If you want to eliminate the burden of selling a property, reduce your taxable estate, and receive a charitable income tax deduction, you can leave a gift of real estate in your will to the National Geographic Society. Gifts of real estate can include homes, condominiums, apartments, vacation property, undeveloped land, farmland, and rental property.
The National Geographic Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 53-0193519.
IRA Rollover
The IRS Charitable Rollover allows individuals 70 1/2 and older to make charitable gifts directly from a traditional IRA account to the National Geographic Society without incurring federal income tax on the withdrawal. For more information please contact us at 800-226-4438 or email legacy@ngs.org.
Have you already included the Society in your will?
If so, let us know. We’d love to include you in our Alexander Graham Bell Legacy Society.

Learn More in Our Exploring Your Legacy Brochure
Learn more about gifts that pay you back in our full brochure.
Sign Up for Our “Explore Tomorrow” Newsletter
Learn more about ways you can ensure the future of science and exploration.
Alexander Graham Bell Legacy Society
Did you know when you leave a gift to the National Geographic Society in your will or estate you can join our legacy society? Learn more about the benefits.
Photos: Michael S. Quinton/National Geographic (Top Image, Beaver), Bell Collection (Alexander Graham Bell with Grandson), James PF Chow (Cover of Exploring Your Legacy), Gilbert Grosvenor (Alexander Graham Bell with daughter)