Legacy Giving
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Including the MAH in your will or trust is a meaningful way to ensure future generations stay connected to art and history.
The Evergreen Society
What is The Evergreen Society?
The Evergreen Society is the MAH’s planned giving program. Becoming a member of The Evergreen Society is the perfect way to ensure future generations benefit from your love of art and history. Planned giving includes any major gift that involves financial or estate planning such as bequests or gifts of securities, retirement assets, life income plans, real estate, or personal property.
It’s easier than you might think, and a person of any means is eligible to participate. Reach out to our Executive Director, Ginger Shulick Porcella at (831) 429-1964 x 7018 or ginger@santacruzmah.org with your questions.
What are the Options for Planned Giving?
A Bequest in Your Will or Trust
Including the MAH in your will or trust is a meaningful way to ensure future generations stay connected to art and history. With guidance from your attorney or advisor, you can easily designate a specific asset, a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or what remains after your other plans are fulfilled. Your generosity helps sustain the MAH’s work while also providing potential tax benefits for you and your loved ones. Here is some sample language for your will or trust (please consult your estate attorney):
"I give and bequeath the sum of $[amount] OR [percentage]% of my estate to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, a nonprofit organization located at 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Tax ID 94-2718861, to be used for its general purposes."
Donating Retirement Assets
Designate the MAH as a beneficiary of your retirement plan (such as an IRA), insurance policy, or other financial assets. All non-charitable retirement plan beneficiaries are subject to income taxes, reducing the amount they would receive–the MAH, on the other hand, will benefit from every dollar.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
If you’re 70.5 or older, you can make a tax-smart gift directly from your IRA to the MAH. It’s a simple way to support the museum while fulfilling your required minimum distribution and reducing your tax burden. QCDs transfers of up to $108,000 are tax-free as of 2025.
Other Options
The MAH can accept gifts in a number of ways, including employer matching gifts, appreciated assets, securities, and even digital currency. We also work with the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation to accept donor advised funds. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance with more complex giving options.
How Are Members of The Evergreen Society Recognized?
You’ll benefit from membership in the MAH’s Director’s Circle upon notifying us about your legacy giving plans. You can choose to be recognized for your giving in our Annual Report, or stay anonymous–the choice is yours.
How Do I Begin?
Not sure where to start? Talk to your financial advisor or estate lawyer to explore all of the possible giving options. We’ll also be happy to help you find just the right way to support the MAH while ensuring you also provide for your loved ones.
When you’re ready, please be sure to use our tax identification number in your documentation: 94-2718861. The MAH has had several names over the decades, and listing our tax ID is the best way to ensure your intentions are followed.
Reach out to our Executive Director, Ginger Shulick Porcella at (831) 429-1964 x 7018 or ginger@santacruzmah.org to start a conversation.
More Information About Planned Giving at the MAH
Estate Tax Changes on the Horizon: Why Charitable Giving is Key