Ways to Give

NEW! Our Phase II Giving Circles and our Gift-a-Brick campaign.

The Durango Discovery Museum offers a unique opportunity to leave a legacy for Durango's future. In partnership with the State Historical Fund, City of Durango, National Park Service, La Plata Electric Association, and many other businesses and individuals we have raised over $2 million dollars so far. With additional support we can open Phase II of the Discovery Museum in 2010. Please join us!

Cash Gifts

Writing a check or using a credit card to make your gift has many advantages including a tax deduction for you in the current year. The museum also benefits: your gift will be put to work immediately. Cash gifts are also eligible for a 25% Colorado tax credit through the Enterprise Zone Program.

Planned Giving

The Durango Discovery Museum established the Founders Circle to promote planned giving and to honor those individuals who have included the Durango Discovery Museum in their estate planning. Because this is such an important decision for you, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options before making a commitment. We would also be happy to speak to your representative, such as a lawyer or financial advisor. (It is highly recommended that you consult with your own tax or legal advisors prior to making a planned gift.)

Gifts of Stock or Other Annuities

Publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) may be transferred to the Durango Discovery Museum, entitling you to a tax deduction for the full market value of the securities. With a gift of securities to The Durango Discovery Museum, you avoid any capital gains taxes you might be liable for if you sell the stock. Gifts of appreciated securities that pay little or no dividends make especially good choices for charitable contributions. Non-cash gifts are eligible for 12.5 % Colorado tax credit through the Enterprise Zone program.

Enterprise Zone Tax Benefits

The Durango Discovery Museum is one of just 19 Southwest Colorado Enterprise Zone Projects approved as of August, 2006. A taxpayer who makes a contribution to eligible enterprise zone development projects may claim a Colorado income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the value of the contribution, up to $100,000 (12.5% for in-kind contributions up to $50,000 in credit).

Additional Tax Benefits for IRA Owners Over 70

Owners of IRAs who are 70 or older can give as much as $100,000 from their IRA or Roth IRA to charitable organizations without recognizing any income on the distribution. This means that the distribution will not be included in gross income, usually a better deal than taking an itemized deduction. The distribution must be done as a direct rollover from the IRA trustee to the charity.