Planned Giving

Over the years, bequests of all sizes have played an important role in the growth of The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Indeed, without George Sukeji Morikami's vision and the gift of land, The Morikami and its wonderful contribution to our community would not exist. A significant bequest from George D. and Harriett W. Cornell, for whom our renowned Gardens and Café are named, will help ensure that future generations are able to experience this unique cultural organization.

Sadly, people who give of themselves to others often never receive appropriate acknowledgment in their lifetime. Through the creation of the newly announced Isan Society, The Board of Trustees hopes to be able to provide that very important recognition to those individuals who have included The Morikami in their estate planning. Isan is a Japanese word meaning legacy and The Morikami is eager to recognize those individuals who share a common desire to see The Morikami flourish.

There are many creative and flexible ways to make a contribution to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Making a planned gift, such as including a bequest to the Museum in your will, or naming The Morikami as the beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust, or a life insurance policy, or of your retirement fund, makes your plans an essential part of the Museum's future. The tax laws may help you to accomplish multiple goals with your money and to give more to the Museum than you thought possible. If you would like to visit us to learn more about how your legacy could help, we would be delighted to arrange a behind-the-scenes-tour.

The most beneficial bequest is an unrestricted bequest for the general operation of The Morikami. This allows the Museum to use your gift wherever it is most needed at the time. If you are changing your will to include a bequest to The Morikami we recommend that you seek advice from a competent attorney or other professional tax advisor, but for a guide to suitable wording click here.

Examples of the many forms of gifts are:

Bequests - Provide for The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens through your will or through a living trust.
Charitable Remainder Trusts - Provide for yourself or a named beneficiary, while enjoying tax benefits and supporting the future of The Morikami.
Retirement Funds - Support the Museum by naming it as the beneficiary of the remainder of your pension plan, 401(k) or IRA.
Life Estate Gifts - Make a gift of your home to The Morikami while retaining the right to live there during your lifetime.

Estate gifts help fund an enormous range of essential projects:

Collections and Acquisitions - Build and preserve The Morikami's permanent collection.
Education and Public Programming - Create interpretive programs that engage audiences of all ages, increasing their understanding of Japanese history and culture.
Exhibitions - Allow the curatorial staff to present diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions.
General Programs - With unrestricted gifts, provide vital support to all areas of the Museum, allowing The Morikami to flourish and grow.