Some gifts go beyond the moment of giving — they create legacies that endure for generations. Whether it’s a tree planted on the campus where discoveries are made, a bequest that funds research long after you’re gone, or a named endowment that carries your values forward forever, these gifts represent the deepest expression of commitment to science and to a healthier future.
40 Oaks for 40 Years
The 40 Oaks for 40 Years initiative invites you to fund one of 40 live oak trees representing each year of Pennington Biomedical’s groundbreaking history, from 1988 to 2028. Your tree becomes a permanent part of campus — a living legacy bearing the name of whoever you choose to honor.
Learn About 40 Oaks → Reserve Your Tree
Planned Giving
A planned gift — sometimes called a deferred gift — is a charitable contribution arranged now that takes effect in the future, typically through your estate. Planned gifts allow you to make a significant impact on the Foundation while maintaining financial security during your lifetime. There are several gift arrangements from which to choose, each with different benefits.
A bequest is a gift made through your will or living trust. It is the most common form of planned giving and allows you to make a significant contribution to the Foundation without affecting your assets during your lifetime. You may designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residue after other bequests are satisfied. Sample bequest language is available upon request.
Name Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or bank account. Beneficiary designations pass outside of probate and are easy to update at any time. Because IRAs and retirement accounts are subject to income tax when inherited by non-spouse beneficiaries, naming a charity as beneficiary of these accounts can be especially tax-efficient.
Charitable trusts can provide income to you or your family for a period of time while ultimately benefiting the Foundation. A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) pays income to you or designated beneficiaries, with the remainder going to the Foundation. A Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) provides income to the Foundation first, with assets ultimately passing to your heirs. These instruments can be designed to meet a range of financial and philanthropic goals.
You may donate a life insurance policy to the Foundation — either by naming us as beneficiary, or by transferring ownership of an existing policy you no longer need. Transferring ownership of a paid-up policy may generate an immediate charitable deduction. Naming the Foundation as beneficiary allows the policy to remain under your control during your lifetime.
Gifts of real estate, farmland, commercial property, or other non-cash assets such as art, collectibles, or business interests can be arranged through the Foundation. These gifts can generate significant tax benefits and free you from the costs of maintaining or selling assets. Each gift is reviewed individually to ensure it is in the Foundation’s best interest to accept. Please contact us before making any transfers.
Naming Opportunities
A naming gift honors your values, your family, or a loved one in a permanent, visible way on the Pennington Biomedical campus. Naming opportunities exist at various gift levels for research facilities, laboratories, programs, and endowed positions. Contact our team to learn what naming opportunities are currently available.
Inquire About Naming Opportunities →
Your Gift Can Last Forever
A planned gift, an endowment, or a live oak tree on campus — these are the gifts that carry your name and your values into Pennington Biomedical's next 40 years of discovery.