Choose the path that’s right for you.
The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium relies on support from members, donors, and sponsors to deliver inquiry-driven science education, install awe-inspiring exhibits, and produce timely public programs.
Every gift makes a difference.
Let us know if you’re interested in learning more about specific endowment funds that support the Fairbanks Museum’s core activities: education, exhibits, weather/climate, collections, planetarium, facilities, and leadership.
Your generosity through current gifts and planned giving commitments ensures that the Museum continues to inspire, engage, and educate with innovative programs, services, and exhibits.
Annual Fund
Make a single or recurring donation to support ongoing exhibits, programs, and education.
Donate Stock
If you have stocks that have increased in value, you may be able to take an income tax deduction and you won’t have to pay capital gains tax by donating those stocks to the Fairbanks Museum.
Step 1: Give your financial broker this information to donate stocks:
Our All DTC-Eligible Securities: All deliveries MUST include client name and Schwab account number
- Name: Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
- Account Number: 9023-7802
- Name of receiving institution: Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.
- DTC Clearing: 0164, Code (if needed): 40
Step 2: Let us know!
We want to thank you! Names are not included in the wire transfer, so please give Adam Kane or Anna Rubin a call (802-748-2372) or instruct your broker to tell us about the gift.
Give from your IRA
If you are 70½ or older, you can donate to the Fairbanks Museum directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) without it being considered a taxable withdrawal. And if you are over 72, the gift can count toward your required minimum distribution. Here’s what you need to do to get started:
Option 1: Donate online
Some IRA providers will let you donate to us through an online form on their website. You’ll need this information to complete your donation:
- Our legal name: Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
- Our mailing address: 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury VT 05819
- Our federal tax ID number: 03-0184732
It’s important for IRA donations to come directly from your IRA provider, otherwise they will be counted as taxable distributions to you.
Option 2: Donate by mail:
Your IRA provider may offer a mail-in form. If you have any questions about this, or need help, please reach out to us!
Lasting legacy
By including the Fairbanks Museum in your estate plan, you ensure that your legacy reflects the causes you care about most. It’s a gift that costs nothing now but delivers extraordinary benefits for years to come.
This year, a generous donor is offering a Legacy Match! That means your thoughtful planning provides critical support today—helping us secure up to $100,000 in matching gifts to sustain the Museum’s mission.
Here’s how it works:
- Include the Fairbanks Museum in your estate plan.
- Let us know about your intended gift.
- Your future gift will be matched by a generous donor, who has pledged to contribute 10% of your future gift’s value— up to $25,000 — immediately to support the Museum now.
It’s simple. It’s impactful. And it’s a way to make a difference right now and in years to come.
Name us as a beneficiary on your financial accounts.
Naming the Fairbanks Museum as a beneficiary on your retirement plans, bank accounts, or life insurance policies doesn’t require a will or lawyer. Simply add us as a beneficiary.
In most cases, your account provider can help you set up your beneficiaries or give you a “Change of Beneficiary” form. The form might be available on the provider’s website.
This year, a generous donor has agreed to match each bequest we receive with a donation of 10% of your future gift’s value — up to $25,000 — if you share the amount of your bequest. Don’t miss your chance to amplify your impact now and long into the future.
Include the Fairbanks Museum in your will
You can leave money, real estate, or other assets in your will to charities. It’s an easy way to support the Fairbanks Museum that can cost nothing during your lifetime. Often, people can make a much larger gift in their will than they could from their income. Plus, should you change your mind, you can update the terms of your gift at any time.
This year, a generous donor has agreed to match each bequest we receive with a donation of 10% of your future gift’s value — up to $25,000 — if you share the amount of your bequest. Don’t miss your chance to amplify your impact now and long into the future.
Set up a charitable trust or annuity
Charitable gift annuities, remainder trusts and lead trusts all offer significant tax benefits along with financial flexibility. For example, you can receive income from the initial gift for the rest of your life or get it back after a set period.
We partner with the Vermont Community Foundation to secure and make the most of annuities and trusts. Contact us to learn more about how these benefits can work for you.
This year, a generous donor has agreed to match each bequest we receive with a donation of 10% of your future gift’s value — up to $25,000 — if you share the amount of your bequest. Don’t miss your chance to amplify your impact now and long into the future.