Frequently Asked Questions

• I am unable to make a current gift, but I'd still like to support Bok Tower Gardens in the future. Any ideas?

  An easy and low-cost way to make a gift to the Gardens is to include us in your will or revocable trust. Bequests are a major source of endowment support at the Gardens. Each individual legacy contributes to our financial strength and helps to fund the Gardens in perpetuity. If you have not already done so, please consider putting Bok Tower Gardens in your will or revocable trust. See our Bequest Language page for samples of how to do this. You can also designate Bok Tower Gardens as the beneficiary of life insurance, annuities, your retirement plan, or brokerage account.

• What asset should I use to make my gift?

  While cash or a check is a simple way to make a gift, there are lots of ways to support the Gardens. Talk with your advisors to determine how to make the most of your charitable intention. A few ways to consider include:

  Gift Type	Possible Benefits
  Cash	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Transfer of residential, commercial, or undeveloped real estate	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income Relief from management
  Donate an interest in closely held or family business stock	Reduce the cost of passing the business to heirs Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income
  Give us tangible personal property like art, books, or collectibles	An income-tax charitable deduction
  Make our institution the owner and beneficiary of life insurance or annuities	Income- and estate-tax savings

   

• Can I direct how Bok Tower Gardens will use my gift?

  Most often the answer to this is “yes”!! Many donors direct that their gifts be used to fund programs, support specific departments, or remember a loved one. Please be sure to discuss this when you make your gift.

• How will Bok Tower Gardens recognize my gift?

  Your gift will be listed in our annual report in the year you make the gift. If your gift is a bequest commitment or through life insurance, life-income plans, or lead trusts, you will become a permanent member of the Edward W. Bok Society. We list members of the Society in our annual report, in The Garden Path magazine, and on our donor exhibit in the Visitor Center. Of course, we will also honor any requests for gifts to be anonymous.

• Why should I consider a gift to Bok Tower Gardens?

  Gifts are made for many different reasons. Often, our donors wish to:

  • Ensure Bok Tower Gardens will remain as a sanctuary for future generations.
  • Express gratitude for the peace, tranquility, and sanctuary we offer our visitors.
  • Support field trips and other educational programming they enjoy.
  • Celebrate a special occasion such as a milestone birthday or anniversary.
  • Realize a dream for the Gardens by investing in a strategic priority.
  • Celebrate the life of a loved one.

Please contact the Department of Philanthropy & Membership at (863) 734-1213 or mtyrone@boktower.org for more information.