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Remembering Cleveland Metroparks Zoo during your estate planning leaves a lasting legacy and ensures that the Zoo and the community it serves will continue to thrive for generations to come.

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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and its non-profit partner, the Cleveland Zoological Society, are working together to expand the Zoo’s national leadership in community engagement, science education and conservation impact. The partnership has led to a campus plan, new education and conservation programming and many impactful capital projects to support the mission of the world-class Zoo.


Why Planned Giving?

Planned giving is a powerful way to support the Cleveland Zoo Society while also providing you with financial benefits. It allows you to make a significant impact on our work while potentially offering you tax advantages, income for life, or even the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that reflects your values.

Types of Planned Gifts

1. Bequests
A bequest is one of the simplest ways to leave a legacy. You can include a gift to the Cleveland Zoo Society in your will or trust, specifying a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after other obligations are met. 

2. Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity allows you to make a donation to the Cleveland Zoo Society and receive fixed payments for the rest of your life. 

3. Charitable Remainder Trusts
By establishing a charitable remainder trust, you can contribute assets to the Cleveland Zoo Society while retaining an income stream for yourself or loved ones. After the trust term ends, the remaining assets benefit the Zoo Society.

4. Retirement Accounts
Designating the Cleveland Zoo Society as a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an easy way to make a significant gift. These gifts can be particularly advantageous for reducing estate taxes.

5. Real Estate and Personal Property
Gifts of real estate or valuable personal property, such as artwork or collectibles, can provide a substantial benefit to the Cleveland Zoo Society. You can make a gift during your lifetime or through your estate plan.

6. Life Insurance
Life insurance offers a unique opportunity for many individuals to make a significant gift to the Cleveland Zoo Society. Policies that are no longer needed for their initial purpose can become powerful tools for supporting our mission. The tax benefits of such a gift can vary based on factors like whether the policy is fully paid up.

How to Get Started

  • Consult with Your Advisors
    It’s important to work with financial and legal advisors to determine the best type of planned gift for your individual situation.
  • Contact Us
    Our planned giving team is here to help. Contact us at 216-635-3323 to discuss your goals and how we can assist you in creating a meaningful gift that aligns with your wishes.
  • Make Your Gift
    Once you have decided on the type of gift, you can complete the necessary documentation and inform us of your intention. We are happy to provide any information you need to finalize your gift.

Contact Information

Are you interested in learning more - or are we already in your plans? Let us know here 

Planned gift donors can become part of the ZooFutures Heritage Society and enjoy access to special Zoo events and experiences. Please contact Andrea Ponikvar, Director of Advancement, at 216-635-3323 or email Ponikvar@ClevelandZooSociety.org to learn more.

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