Gift Planning

Getting Started

Welcome to our gift planning resource. Use it to learn how you can make a gift that works for you, your loved ones and the Academy.

If you are not sure where to begin, try our Build Your Gift planner. If you already have gift options in mind, click on Compare Gifts to see how your choices line up. And to learn about our community of planned giving donors, select Eastwood Associates. To ask questions or discuss your planning objectives, please contact Roxanne Lee at rlee@calacademy.org or 415-379-5408.

Check Out Our Monthly Feature Articles

Visionary Generosity Keeps Morrison Planetarium Ahead of Its Time

In the 1950s, a generous bequest inspired the Academy to create the world's most innovative planetarium. Today, visionary gifts are opening a 21st-century window into the wonders of space—and the mysteries of Earth. If you've seen Fragile Planet in the new Morrison Planetarium, you've already experienced the transformative impact of immersive video technology... More

Eastwood Traditions: A Passion for Sharing the Stars Inspires a Legacy

By the time he was 16, Michael Bennett had gotten his first telescope, joined the Junior Academy, and started ushering at the Morrison Planetarium. "Imagine fulfilling your lifetime ambition at 16!" he says. Now Michael is perpetuating his passion for the stars through a planned gift. More

Will New Tax Laws Affect My Estate Plan?
It's an extraordinarily uncertain time—tax wise, that is. This is the first year in decades that American tax law repealed the federal estate tax. As of Jan. 1, 2010, federal estate taxes are repealed for any deaths that occur during this calendar year, regardless of the size of that person's estate (state estate/inheritance taxes will still apply). More

Your Estate Plan Check-In
Do you have an estate plan? Does it reflect your current situation and wishes? Our checklist will help you make sure your plans are on track. More

5 Moves to Make After Age 50
If you are 50 or older, there are key steps you should take to prepare for your future. More

What You Need to Know to Protect Your Children's Inheritance
One of the most important steps you can take toward providing security for your children and peace of mind for yourself is to update your will. More

Savings Bond Magic: How to Make the Taxes Disappear
Your savings bonds, when left to heirs at your death, are subject to income tax on the accumulated interest. When left to us, however, we will receive the full value of the bonds. More

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