Planned Gifts

From James Smithson’s bequest to establish the Smithsonian Institution to Joseph Hirshhorn’s generous bequest to ensure the growth and development of the museum bearing his name, the legacy left by these men benefits each of us every day.

Since then, many visionary individuals have helped to advance the Museum’s tradition of excellence through bequests and other legacy gifts. In addition to ensuring the future of the Museum, planned giving can offer individuals valuable benefits such as income tax deductions, increased retirement income, and reduced estate taxes.

There are many options for planned giving, and we advise that you consult your estate lawyer along with our planned giving experts through the Hirshhorn’s Office of Development to help tailor your legacy gifts.

Planned Gifts include:

• Life Income Gifts —Life Income Gifts, such as Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts, allow you (and/or another beneficiary, if you wish) to receive a lifetime income from the investment of the assets you donate
• Estate Gifts —Bequests by Will or Living Trusts support the Museum after your lifetime. The value is deductible from that of the estate and may be unrestricted or designated to a particular purpose. They consist of either a dollar amount or the value remaining after other obligations are met
• Retirement Plan Assets—Naming the Hirshhorn as a beneficiary of your IRA, 403(b), 401(k) or other qualified pension plan can be done by completing forms provided by the plan’s administrator

For more information on Planned Giving please call 202-633-2836 or contact HMSGdevelopment@si.edu.

Legacy Society