Gift 
Endowment Gifts
Endowment Gift Booklet
You can read about how others are making an impact with an endowed fund here.
Legacy gifts to the Saint Louis Zoo are directed to our Endowment. This means your investment is carefully stewarded to grow and sustain the Zoo in perpetuity. Today, tomorrow, together—Animals Always.
You may enjoy several benefits with an endowment gift
- Establish a named endowed fund during your lifetime and see the impact each year
- Benefit from an income tax deduction in the year you make your gift
- Avoid capital gains tax on an endowment gift of appreciated property
How an endowed fund works
- You make an initial gift to establish an endowed fund
- The assets in your endowment are invested to earn income
- The income is distributed annually to achieve your desired impact
- You can make additions during your lifetime or supplement your endowed fund with your estate plan
How your endowed fund helps every year
At the time you create your endowed fund, you sign an endowed fund agreement that details the name, scope and desired impact of your endowed fund. Your funds will generally be invested to produce stable, predictable growth. Each year, a set percentage of your fund will be distributed according to your agreement.
Contact us
If you have any questions about gifts to endowment, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you and answer any questions you might have.
