MVZ -- Make a Gift

Friends of the MVZ Fund: Make a Gift

We invite you to share in the continuation of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology tradition: pioneering, discovering, leading, giving back, and envisioning the future. Donors have several options for giving; choose the one most appropriate for your circumstances and intentions.

By check
Please make your check payable to UC Berkeley Foundation and mail it to:

Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
3101 Valley Life Science Building #3160
Berkeley, CA 94720-3160

By credit card
Give Online through our secure site by credit card or print out the credit card form & mail to:

Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
3101 Valley Life Science Building #3160
Berkeley, CA 94720-3160

By a Gift of Securities
Make a gift of appreciated stock.
The full market value of gifts of appreciated securities is tax deductible. Securities are recorded based on the mean market value of the stock on the date of gift, which is determined by the date the donor relinquishes control of the stock. Securities can be transferred directly from your brokerage account to the University's account.

For more information, contact:
University Relations Senior Gifts Steward at 510-642-4123, fax at 510-643-6770, or e-mail at givesecurities@berkeley.edu.

Through a matching gift
Multiply your donation through corporate matching gifts. Many donors double or even triple the impact of their gift by having it matched by their or their spouse's employer. Some companies also match gifts from retirees. Talk with your Human Resources Department to see if your employer has a corporate matching program. It usually involves filling out a short form and sending it with your gift or soon after.

By making a memorial or honor gift
You can honor a person or event that played an important role in your life by making an honor or memorial gift. A memorial gift can perpetuate the memory and values of someone deceased. Honorary gifts can commemorate a significant event or someone still living. If you would like to make a memorial or honor gift, please enclose a note with your gift.

By making a Major Gift to the Museum
There are many ways to support current programs, grow and maintain the collections and ensure the future of the Museum through a major gift.

Life Income/Planned Gifts
A planned gift may enable you to satisfy personal financial planning needs in addition to providing the museum with important, long-term support. Some plans may provide income for life (or a term of years), an immediate income tax charitable deduction, capital gains tax benefits and professional asset management (if the University serves as trustee). For more information on planned gifts visit http://givetocal.berkeley.edu/ways/plannedgifts.cfm.
Bequests
Including the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology in your will or a living trust creates a significant legacy. Unrestricted bequests, expressed as a percentage of an estate, often convey the donor's intention more accurately than a specified sum. In writing your will or living trust, you can specify that you would like your estate to benefit the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California.
Endowments
Endowed funds provide a permanent source of income to meet the needs of MVZ faculty, students and collections. These funds may be named for the donor or someone the donor wishes to honor. Endowed funds are managed by the UC Berkeley Foundation or The Regents of the University of California. Endowments are invested and only a portion of the income is released for a designated purpose. The remaining income is added back to principal so that the endowment grows over time. Endowed funds may be unrestricted or restricted for a specific purpose, such as chairs, distinguished professorships or fellowships. They may be established through an outright gift of cash or securities or a planned gift or bequest.

If you would like more detailed information about any of the major gift options listed above, please contact the Office of Planned Giving via email at opg@berkeley.edu or by calling (510) 642-6300. In your e-mail, please include your name, date of birth, way to contact you, and best time to reach you.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for supporting the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology! With your financial support the Museum is evolving into a more dynamic and comprehensive museum. Your gift — no matter what the size — is needed for the Museum to sustain its international reputation and continue important research and education.