M O T E M A R I N E L A B O R AT O R Y
LEGACY S O C I E T Y
BUILDING A LEGACY More than sixty years ago, Mote Marine Laboratory was founded by a remarkable young woman, Dr. Eugenie Clark. Affectionately known by many as the “Shark Lady,” Dr. Clark was a pioneer in the field of marine research as well as women’s leadership. We lost Genie in February 2015, but her extraordinary spirit will live on forever here at Mote. Genie was, and continues to be, an inspiration to so many of our scientists at Mote and around the world. Having started as a one-room laboratory that has now grown into a world-class research organization with more than twenty diverse research programs, Mote looks forward to a long history of continued growth and expansion for the impact of our science. We are honored to uphold the legacy of Dr. Clark’s scientific inquiry and enthusiasm for the ocean, which is perpetuated by Mote’s research, education and conservation activities, made possible in great part through philanthropy. A strong and independent Mote research enterprise will help ensure that our oceans will be a treasure to be enjoyed for many years to come. We each have a legacy to share. Planned giving is an important way to carry out this legacy and showcase for future generations what is meaningful to you. Many believe legacies take shape only after one’s death, but in truth, legacies are built and perpetuated as much during life as after it. As you think about your priorities, we ask you to consider how your legacy can help support the important mission and work being done at Mote Marine Laboratory and how your legacy might begin to take shape during your lifetime.
MOTE LEGACY SOCIETY Mote Marine Laboratory has been the beneficiary of many transformational gifts through its Legacy Society. Our Legacy Society is made up of those inspirational supporters that champion Mote’s mission by designating Mote in their estate plans or other types of planned gifts. These deferred gifts have become increasingly important in sustaining the mission of Mote and providing long-term financial stability to the institution. Planned giving allows Mote to advance its independent, world-class research and public outreach with the confidence needed to keep the brightest minds in marine science transforming the world for decades to come. Each legacy gift to Mote carries great significance for the organization, though most come unexpectedly. Many individuals and families have already included Mote as part of their estate plans but have not informed us of their generosity. By sharing your plans with Mote, we have an opportunity to honor your support in a meaningful way. All donors who wish to be recognized receive regular news and information about the impact of planned gifts on the Lab and receive invitations to special events throughout the year.
OPPORTUNITIES IN GIFT PLANNING Mote Marine Laboratory recognizes that each philanthropic gift is incredibly personal and meaningful. As such, there are a variety of ways to provide support to Mote. Planned giving is significantly impactful to the organization and offers a range of potential benefits to you and your family as well. Some gifts improve your financial or tax situation, often immediately. Others provide current income tax deductions while some avoid long-term capital gain. A planned gift to Mote Marine Laboratory may: • Provide income to you and/or another beneficiary for life • Bring immediate and deferred tax advantages to you and your heirs • Support the institution overall, a specific program and can be used as an annual gift or put towards Mote’s endowment
BEQUESTS A charitable bequest to Mote Marine Laboratory is a gift provided in your estate or trusts that is realized only after your death.
LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES A contribution of an insurance policy for which the original need no longer exists provides you with an income tax deduction. Alternatively naming Mote as owner and
OPPORTUNITIES IN GIFT PLANNING beneficiary of a policy will allow present value and remaining premium payments to be treated as a tax deductible gift.
INCOME PRODUCING TRUSTS Through a charitable remainder trust, you or a designated beneficiary can realize income for life or a period of years, after which the remaining assets are paid to Mote Marine Laboratory.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES A charitable gift annuity is a contract with Mote Marine Laboratory under which you, another specified beneficiary, or you and another specified beneficiary may receive a fixed payment for life.
RETIREMENT PLAN BENEFITS By naming Mote Marine Laboratory as the beneficiary of your IRA, Keough Plan, TIAA-CREF, tax deferred annuity or qualified pension plan, any assets remaining in the plan after your death pass untaxed to Mote Marine Laboratory.
GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE A retained life estate contract is a gift to Mote Marine Laboratory of real property under which you retain the right to occupy the property for your lifetime.
FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like to learn more about one of the many ways to develop an estate plan that includes Mote, please contact Mote’s Development Division at (941) 388-4441 ext. 309. Our staff will be happy to answer your questions and if desired assist you and your professional advisor in designing a gift plan that will benefit you, your heirs and Mote Marine Laboratory. Please know that any information you might provide will be held in the strictest confidence. We encourage you to consider how you can begin building a legacy today that will continue to support your family and your passions well into the future.
The material presented in this document is not offered as legal or tax advice.You are urged to seek the advice of your tax advisor, attorney, and/or financial planner to make certain a contemplated gift fits well into your overall circumstances and planning.
"The best use of a life is to invest in something which will outlast life." – William James
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 plannedgiving@mote.org (941) 388-4441 ext. 309 www.mote.org/plannedgiving