Planned Giving
Consider remembering the Morris Museum in your estate plans, and become part of our elite 1913 Circle.
Be Part of the 1913 Circle
In 2013, Morris Museum Trustee Austin “Slim” Bush left the Museum with a truly amazing gift: a secure and optimistic future. His bequest, one of the largest in the Museum’s 106-year history, has been transformative. This generosity is, to this day, allowing the Museum to invest in a number of vital projects including capital improvements, gallery renovation, and general operations of our exhibitions and programs.
The Impact
The impact of a planned gift is significant…and the benefits are long-standing, pervasive, and deeply revered. Determined by the Museum or made to a specific fund, your gift can begin during your lifetime so you can witness its effect. Most importantly, they ensure that the Morris Museum can continue to be a beacon of the arts community in Morristown and beyond, inspiring both our youngest visitors and lifelong learners.
Benefits
Beyond the joy and satisfaction of knowing that their support is protecting our future, members of the 1913 Circle receive:
- Recognition on our website and our entrance pavilion (with your permission; names are listed without giving levels)
- Invitations to exclusive events
- Special gift
For more information, or to confirm that the Morris Museum is in your estate plans:
Email: [email protected]
When choosing your giving method, you may wish to consult a financial advisor or tax professional.
Ways to Give
Bequest
Bequests are the simplest way to make planned gifts, and can easily be included in a will or revocable trust instrument during its creation or by adding a will codicil or trust amendment. A bequest may be designated for a specific purpose and may be used to establish an endowed fund in your name. It can include a specific amount, or can be a percentage of the overall value of an estate or trust.
Charitable Remainder Trust
Establish an income stream for yourself or other named beneficiaries during the term of the trust and receive an immediate income tax charitable deduction for the present value of the remainder interest that will pass to charity.
Charitable Lead Trust
Receive a current income tax deduction for the value of the income stream passing to the charity and establish a future benefit to yourself or your chosen non-charitable beneficiaries.
Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designation
Neither you nor your heirs will pay income tax on the distribution of the assets, your estate receives an estate tax deduction for the charitable contribution which can be used to offset any estate tax payable at your death, and the retirement plan proceeds can provide vital support to a charity.
Qualified Charitable Distribution From Tax-Deferred Retirement Account
Eliminates or reduces your tax impact of receiving required minimum distribution income outright and can give support to a charity that you can see during your lifetime.
Life Insurance
There are multiple ways that life insurance can benefit the Museum. Please discuss with your financial advisor.
Gifts of Art*
Receive an income tax charitable deduction and be sure your masterpieces will be taken care of and, when on view, seen by hundreds of visitors each year in perpetuity.
*pending approval by the Collections Committee
