What Will Your Legacy Be?

When you leave a charitable gift to the National Air and Space Museum in your will, trust or by beneficiary designation, you forever become part of the remarkable story of human flight. Your gift will help the Museum to remain an exciting place of learning and discovery, and will help to educate and inspire future generations of aviation and space pioneers.

Make a Gift to the Museum in Your Will or Trust

Leaving a gift in your will or revocable living trust is a wonderful way to ensure that your support of the National Air and Space Museum impacts generations to come.

You may designate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to the Museum, while leaving other assets to your family and friends.

There is no minimum requirement. Every gift counts.

To make a gift in your will or trust, follow these simple steps:

• Provide your attorney with the following sample language: "I give the [residue of my estate], [__% of the residue of my estate], or [the sum of ___dollars] to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC for the benefit of the National Air and Space Museum."
• Notify us so we can welcome you to the National Air and Space Museum Legacy Society.

Request more information about making a gift in your will or trust >

Make a Gift to the Museum by Beneficiary Designation

Naming the National Air and Space Museum as the beneficiary of a retirement account is a smart way to give. Income from a retirement account is often taxed more heavily than other assets and so may become a liability for your loved ones.

Because the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is tax-exempt, 100 percent of your gift will go toward creating your legacy. You can also name the National Air and Space Museum as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, certificate of deposit, bank or brokerage account, as well as a donor-advised fund.

To make a gift by beneficiary designation, follow these steps:

• Contact your retirement plan administrator, bank, broker, or insurance company and request a beneficiary form.
• Write "Smithsonian Institution, for the benefit of the National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC, Federal Tax ID Number 53-0206027" as a sole, partial, or contingent beneficiary of your account.
• Sign and return the beneficiary form to your plan administrator and keep a copy for your files.
• Notify us so we can welcome you to the National Air and Space Museum Legacy Society.

Request more information about making a gift by beneficiary designation >

A Gift to the Museum that Pays You Back

When you create a charitable gift annuity with the Smithsonian Institution, you receive stable annual payments for life and a charitable income tax deduction in the year you make the donation.

A gift annuity is simple and flexible, and it gives you the satisfaction of making a gift that benefits you now and provides future support to the National Air and Space Museum. For more information on charitable gift annuities, please email Michael Garceau or call (202) 633-2377.

Request a personalized illustration of your charitable gift annuity options >

National Air and Space Museum Legacy Society

We hope to welcome you to the National Air and Space Museum Legacy Society and a lifelong relationship with the Museum. The Legacy Society provides you with opportunities to connect with others who are interested in learning about the Museum's important work and newest endeavors, and who share your commitment to the future of the Museum.

As a Legacy Society member, you will be among the first to learn about new exhibitions and programs, and you will be invited to special donor receptions and events, such as the annual Legacy Society event at the Museum. Your gift will be noted in the Smithsonian Annual Report, or you may choose to remain anonymous. Please talk with us about how you can be part of the Campaign for the National Air and Space Museum with your legacy gift. View the list of Legacy Society members.

Request more information about the National Air and Space Museum Legacy Society >