Gift of Life Insurance

Powerful and Simple Way to Support Our Work

When the original purpose for a life insurance policy no longer applies—such as educating children now grown or providing financial security for a spouse—your policy can become a meaningful way to support our work. There are three ways to give life insurance to the American Museum of Natural History:

Name us a beneficiary of the policy. This gift is as simple as updating your beneficiary designation form with the policy holder. You can designate us as the primary beneficiary for a percentage or specific amount. You can also make us the contingent beneficiary so that we will receive the balance of your policy only if your primary beneficiary doesn't survive you.

Make an outright gift of an existing policy. You can name us as owner and beneficiary of an existing policy. You qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize on your taxes. If you continue to pay premiums on the policy, each payment is tax deductible as a charitable gift if you itemize.

Make an outright gift of a new policy. You can take out a new policy and irrevocably name the Museum as the owner and the beneficiary of the insurance contract. This method may be particularly attractive for the younger donor. Whether you make one single premium payment for the policy or pay annual premiums, each payment is tax deductible as a charitable gift when you itemize on your taxes.

Free Estate Planning Tool

Visit our free, no-obligation tool to make a statement for the Museum through your life insurance. Our trusted partner, Giving Docs has a safe and secure resource just for you.

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Next Steps

  1. Contact John Matthews at 212-769-5119 or jmatthews@amnh.org for additional information on life insurance.
  2. Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
  3. If you include the Museum in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID:

Legal name: American Museum of Natural History
Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
Federal tax ID number: 13-6162659

How You Can Benefit From Giving Life Insurance

Learn more about this simple gift by downloading your FREE copy of our informative guide Life Insurance: Expand Your Charitable Reach.

Personal Estate Planning Kit

Our Top Free Resource

This comprehensive estate planning kit helps you protect your family and establish your legacy. FREE!

Download My Kit