Gift and Estate Giving

Leave Your Legacy

Make a lasting impact for future generations with a planned gift. When you include the Noyo Center for Marine Science in your estate plan or other intentional giving, you spread the power of your passion for ocean science and conservation.

Your generosity will allow the Noyo Center to continue its research and conservation efforts while educating and equipping others with a love and appreciation for the ocean and its role in our everyday lives. Furthermore, you help us prepare for future ecological challenges to the coast while supporting ongoing efforts, such as: 

Help the Kelp – A series of conservation and research projects to address the massive decrease (93% of normal) in bull kelp forests along the Mendocino coast.

Education – A series of programs that strive to inspire people to engage with marine science through a variety of experiences, including summer camps, tours for regional youth and science talks and interpretive centers for all ages.

Ocean Science Center – Opening the only marine research, education center, and public exhibit facility within a largely inaccessible 250-mile stretch of the northern California coast.

Ways to Give

Photo: Abbey Dias

Contact Us:

If you would like more information about planned giving or to notify us that the Noyo Center is already in your plans, we would love to hear from you.

michael@noyocenter.org
(707) 733-6696.

The Noyo Center is not engaged in legal or tax advisory services and cannot provide legal or tax advice. Please ask your legal, financial, and/or tax professional to advise you on how to make a gift that is best for your unique needs and goals.

  • I’ve always been an ocean person. I spent many years kayaking and diving off the Mendocino coast where I would immerse myself in an incredibly beautiful undersea garden, surrounded by colorful sea stars, abalone, urchins, kelp, fish and an occasional curious seal. After living in Mexico for 20 years I returned to Albion, learned about the Noyo Center, and started volunteering. It’s been a way to meet so many interesting and dedicated people and it's been very inspiring. The Noyo Center is trying to revive the life in the ocean, which has been devastated by climate change. From educating students with hands on classes and field trips, to exhibits and events at the Crow's Nest, the Discovery Center and various projects at the Field Station, to beach surveys and marine mammal rescues, there's so much positive energy. I’ve always been an optimist, and I’m happy to be a Noyo Center volunteer and supporter, helping to make a difference in a world that needs lots of help right now.”

Wills and Trusts
Bequests are a great way to make a thoughtful, significant gift to the Noyo Center for Marine Science while retaining use of your assets during your lifetime. You can specify a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate. Visit our Starting Your Planned Gift page for some sample language you can use when setting up your bequest.

IRA Gifts (Qualified Charitable Distribution, aka IRA Charitable Rollover)
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from a traditional IRA (including an inherited IRA) is an excellent way to make a tax-free gift now to the Noyo Center for Marine Science and reduce Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The funds must be transferred directly from your IRA custodian to the Noyo Center for Marine Science. Individuals may want to consider making a QCD when they do not need the income from the IRA and wish to donate to charity and minimize Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

  • You must be 70 ½ years or older at the time of the gift.

  • The gift must go directly to the Noyo Center for Marine Science.

  • Gifts cannot exceed $105,000 per donor per year.

  • Contact your IRA administrator to request a QCD from your IRA to the Noyo Center.

Donor-Advised Funds
Giving through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a simple way to make a charitable gift to support the Noyo Center. A DAF is like a charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a donor-advised fund, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Then those funds can be invested for tax-free growth, and you can recommend grants to any eligible IRS-qualified public charity. Learn more about Donor Advised Funds at Consumer Reports.

Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations 
The Noyo Center may accept designations as beneficiary of donors’ retirement plans. 

Life Insurance 
The Noyo Center may accept designations as beneficiary and owner of a life insurance policy. The policy will be recorded as a gift once the Noyo Center is named as both beneficiary and irrevocable owner of a life insurance policy. Donors may name the Noyo Center as beneficiary or contingent beneficiary of their life insurance policies. Designations will not be recorded as gifts until the gift is irrevocable.

Real Estate
Gifts of real estate may include developed property, undeveloped property, or gifts subject to a prior life interest. Please contact us ahead of time to ensure we can accept the gift.

Important information you will need:

  • Organization’s Legal Name: Noyo Center for Marine Science 

  • Tax ID (EIN Number): 46-5359631 

  • Phone Number: (707) 733-6696 

  • Mailing Address: P O Box 1321, Fort Bragg, CA 95437