Living Legacy is an exciting charitable giving program for individuals who share a commitment to the Chicago Zoological Society and its work in wildlife and habitat conservation, research, animal husbandry and management, and public education. Living Legacy members have planned a gift to the zoo through their estates and request membership in Living Legacy. The program promotes endowment and reserve funds to support the mission of Brookfield Zoo.

The Living Legacy program can help you achieve goals for yourself and for the zoo. Opportunities through the Living Legacy programs include:

  • Assistance with charitable estate planning and giving
  • Determining the most appropriate way to give
  • Creating income to benefit you or a loved one while helping the zoo
  • Directing your gift to support specific zoo activities
  • Making a tribute or memorial gift

Benefits of Becoming a Living Legacy Member
Living Legacy members are invited to a variety of special programs. Some gatherings give members an insider's view of zoo programs, others cover current estate-planning topics, and all provide the opportunity to meet people who share a commitment to Brookfield Zoo. Living Legacy members receive a copy of the zoo history book, "Let the Lions Roar! The Evolution of Brookfield Zoo," and tickets to the Zoo Lecture Series. They are also honored in a listing in the zoo's annual report.       

Some donors choose to inform the zoo of their estate plan commitment, but prefer not to have their name listed. The zoo respects that choice. However, if you make a planned gift commitment, please inform the director of gift planning so that you can enjoy the benefits of membership in Living Legacy.

Assistance Available from the Director of Gift Planning
Making a gift that has positive impact can require a good deal of planning. The size of the gift, the type of asset, the need for retirement income, the tax consequences, and the coordination of the gift plan are a few of the questions and concerns a donor may face. Paul Klinger in our Development Department can assist you with the process. He is available to speak with you in person or by phone. Also, he can provide you with complimentary booklets that explain various types of charitable estate plans in more detail and can provide you with illustrations that show the financial and tax consequences of various plans.

Additionally, our gift planning staff will:

  • Honor your confidences, be sensitive to your concerns, and respect your privacy.
  • Provide information and help you find opportunities to match your interests to the zoo's needs. However, they will not attempt to be your legal or financial counselor. Indeed, for your protection we will urge you to obtain independent counsel from your own professional advisors before you make your gift.
  • Help you prepare for your meetings with advisors and, if you wish, meet with your advisors so that they have a good grasp of what you want to do.
  • Provide ongoing contact to ensure that you are informed about the results of your gift and keep you in close touch with the zoo.

For more details, use the Request Additional Information form.

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