THE PSA LEGACY FELLOWSHIP
Vitality through your Gifts & Planned Giving
One hallmark of the Phycological Society of America has been the commitment its members have shown to the long-term health of our discipline. Over the years, planned gifts have established a robust collection of Endowment Funds to support research by undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and mid-career scientists. Our endowment supports travel to meetings and field stations. Nearly all these efforts to promote and grow the field of phycology have benefitted from thousands of dollars of planned gifts. Your willingness to remember the Phycological Society in your estate plan and/or to share proceeds from long-term investments aligns you with many other members and former members who have used planned giving to grow and develop the PSA.
Why become a Member of the Legacy Fellowship?
Hopefully, the Phycological Society of America has been a positive influence on your professional and intellectual life. Planned giving provides a way to reciprocate by contributing to the long-term financial health and stability of the Society. It ensures that your gift becomes part of our endowment. Planned giving can also often have positive tax consequences for yourself and your estate. It also often enables you to make a larger gift than you realized you could make, and most important, it allows you to pass on your enthusiasm and love of phycology to future generations.
What is my commitment in joining the PSA Legacy Fellowship?
There is no minimum sized gift and no requirement to disclose the details of your gift if you do not want to. All that is required is your inclusion of the Society in your legacy planning, or your decision to make a qualified distribution directly to PSA from a tax-deferred retirement fund, and your registration as a Legacy Fellow.
How and when should I join the PSA Legacy Fellowship?
You can become a member whenever you are preparing or updating your legacy documents, or whenever you are organizing a distribution from a tax deferred retirement account.
To become a Legacy Fellow, simply complete the Registration Form. To make a legacy gift, consult with your tax specialist and/or attorney to make sure that documents specifying your gift meet your personal goals and desires. For reference in preparing wills, trust documents, or other materials that require legal identification of the Society, your planner or attorney may need this information: The Phycological Society of America is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) charitable organization with Tax ID number: 43-0898177. For individuals needing legal address information, please contact our current treasurer.
What kinds of gifts are accepted?
The PSA can accept a wide range of gift types, so you can maximize your benefit to the Society with a tailor-made decision on the type of gift. Among common type of gifts are:
Bequests made via a will
Beneficiary designations: (i) gifts of life insurance, (ii) retirement-plan benefits, or (iii) IRAs
Charitable remainder trusts
Insurance benefits
In many cases, a minimum required distribution from a tax-exempt retirement account can be made directly to PSA during your lifetime, with significant tax advantages to you. Ideally, gifts of real estate, appreciated securities, or gifts with significant restrictions will be discussed with the Fund Manager in advance. Your tax specialist or attorney should advise you on the tax consequences of any gift and on the precise specific language that provides for your gift in your estate plan or will.
Do I have to be wealthy to make a legacy gift?
Gifts of all sizes benefit the Society and are greatly appreciated. All contributions help ensure the continued development of our publications, educational outreach, meetings, and professional support. The Phycological Society of America is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) charitable organization with Tax ID number: 43-0898177. For individuals needing the legal address information, please contact our current treasurer.
Contact: PSA Fund Manager