Legacy Giving

Legacy Giving: Live Oaks Society

Generosity lives forever.

Leave your legacy to support nature in our region.

Legacy giving, or gifts made from your estate, make a lasting impact on an organization. These gifts carry on a person's values after they have passed on and help ensure that the things they were passionate about in life continue long after they are gone. For most people, a legacy gift will be the largest donation they ever make.

We're on a mission to welcome 150 members to the Live Oaks Society by our 150th birthday in 2024.

We are already at 80% of our goal, but we need your help to meet this important milestone.
Will you join the challenge and include The Nat in your future plans?

Legacy gifts have helped thousands of people enjoy and better understand the natural world through our exhibitions, educational programs, and scientific research. You can help us fulfill our mission, be a part of the 150 by 150 challenge, and leave your legacy as a steward of our region’s natural environment by committing a future gift from your estate (learn how). In making this commitment you will also be welcomed into the Museum’s Live Oaks Society and receive exclusive benefits.

Benefits of becoming a Live Oaks member

Live Oaks Society members are a part of our family here at The Nat, and we want to share our special moments with them. They receive exclusive invitations to Museum events, including members-only events with our curators. As a recent example, members were invited to learn about our plans for the Museum’s future from President and CEO, Judy Gradwohl.

As a memento of the Museum’s appreciation, members also receive a framed Albert Valentien print of the California Live Oak.

You’re not a fossil yet.

Here at The Nat we’re pretty good at caring for the things we love for a really long time, so we understand just how important future planning is. To help you get started we've created a free digital workbook. Download your personal field guide for your estate planning expedition.

Download

I knew I wanted to leave my estate to institutions that would still be around some 30-40 years from now and would spend it wisely and thoughtfully. I knew instinctively that The Nat was an organization which met my criteria. - Janie DeCelles

Having spent his very notable career at the Museum, Phil Unitt concluded that leaving his estate to the Museum was an important statement, a way to “give back,” and simply what he wanted to do.

Ann Bullard and her husband, Greg, decided to make a gift to The Nat through their estate plan as a way to help ensure the future of the museum and its work. Through their gift, she and Greg want to preserve this well of knowledge and resource so that future generations—and the world they live in—can benefit from it.

Nancy Nenow believes in the importance of The Nat’s role in teaching students about the natural world around them. She knows that her legacy gift through the Live Oaks Society will help further the mission of the San Diego Museum of Natural History for many years to come.

Is the Museum in your Estate Plan?

If you have included us in your estate plan, please let us know! We would like to thank you for your generous commitment to the future of our natural world and welcome you to the Live Oaks Society. The Nat does not require that you share copies of your estate plan or other documents to join but would appreciate the opportunity to understand your commitment if you are willing to share more information.

Please contact Eowyn Bates at 619.255.0172 or ebates@sdnhm.org

Leaf a little or leaf a lot, it's up to you.

There are many ways to leave a legacy gift, many of which have no cost to set up, and what is right for one person may not be right for you. Consider the following options as you consult with your estate planning professional.

Include us in your will or living trust.
Add us as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance policy, donor advised fund, charitable remainder trust, or investment account.
Set up a charitable gift annuity.

Here are some language examples for charitable estate planning.

Questions?

Reach out to Eowyn Bates, Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement and Live Oaks Member, to ask about leaving a legacy for the San Diego Natural History Museum. Contact Eowyn at 619.255.0172 or ebates@sdnhm.org.
Your inquiry will be kept confidential.

Key Information

Name:
San Diego Society of Natural History Balboa Park
DBA The San Diego Natural History Museum

Tax ID:
95-1643375. The San Diego Natural History Museum is tax-exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Mailing Address:
PO Box 121390
San Diego, CA 92112

Street Address:
1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

Thank you to all of our Live Oaks members, past and present, for their support of The Nat and their commitment to this amazing place we call home.