Join A Vibrant, welcoming community
Get Involvedinspire the leaders of tomorrow
Would you like help a child discover wonder in the world they live in; give rise to the next generation of leaders and changemakers, and inspire students with a love of learning that will last a lifetime?
Become part of our Talcott community with your investment of time, knowledge and/or resources and you’ll do all that… and more!
The action that you take today will have an immediate and long-lasting impact on future generations!
H.G. Wells once said that ‘history is a race between education and catastrophe.’ We are betting on education and, with your help, we intend to succeed.
Make a Donation
For almost 50 years, generous donations to the Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy have made it possible to provide students with an engaging, hands-on learning experience that inspires them to want to learn. Their generosity brings our programs to life. Our students, our community and our staff are truly grateful to all of our donors for their support.
We hope you’ll consider joining our community by making your gift to Talcott today. There are many ways to give — and many ways you can direct your gift.
— CASH GIFTS: Can be made online or mailed to 324 Montevideo Road, Avon, CT. Checks should be payable to TMSC.
— COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS: Honorary gifts recognize special individuals, event and anniversaries. Memorial gifts recognize one or more persons who have passed away. All gifts can be designated for a specific purpose or for the general support of TMSC/TMA.
— MATCHING GIFTS: Many corporations offer programs that match gifts to non-profit institutions. Not only can you direct your gift to TMSC/TMA, but you can request your gift be matched or multiplied. Contact your Human Resources Department for details.
Volunteer
From college students to parents, professionals and even retirees — diverse opportunities exist for volunteers to share their expertise with students. Past examples of successful collaborations include:
— an emergency radio operator teaching Amateur Radio and Wireless Communications;
–medical professionals collaborating to develop a pilot program in biomedical engineering with prosthetics for Talcott students;
— a college History major coaching students on their History Day projects; and
— a college engineering student completing their co-op with us by writing and teaching a design course.
Want to volunteer at Talcott? Complete the application below. We’ll get back to you to learn more and discuss opportunities that might be a good fit!
Leaving Your Legacy through Planned Giving
There are a number of creative ways to continue to support the causes and organizations that you care about — even after you’re gone. With thoughtful planning, you can leave a legacy that benefits your loved ones and creates win-win solutions for you and Talcott.
A planned gift to Talcott opens the door to a world of wonder and unlocks limitless potential for students. It is a meaningful way to leave a legacy in your name and provide future income to our organization while offering economic benefits to you and your family that may include:
- Increased income
- Provisions for loved ones
- Tax benefits
- Preservation of assets
What is the right strategy for you? We’ve listed several options for you to consider, but ultimately, we recommend contacting your professional advisor for advice that takes into account your unique circumstances.
The material presented on this website is not offered as legal or tax advice.
Annuities
Participation in Talcott’s Annuity Program provides you or a loved one with a guaranteed income as well as tax benefits–allowing for the remaining balance at end of contract/trust termination to pass to Talcott. Contact Jonathan Craig, 860.677.8571, for further details.
- Charitable Gift Annuity Program
- Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust
- Charitable Remainder Unitrust
- Deferred Gift Annuity
Bequests (Will or Trust)
Including a bequest to Talcott in your will or trust allows you to remain in control of your assets during your lifetime, while minimizing estate taxes after you pass. Currently, there is no ceiling on the estate tax deduction for your charitable bequest.
Life Insurance
Transferring ownership to Talcott of paid-in-full life insurance policies that are no longer necessary to your family or business provides for a reduction of income tax. Alternatively, name Talcott as a beneficiary to your policy and gain estate tax benefits.
Retained Life Insurance
Transferring title to your home, vacation property, or farm to Talcott and continuing to live in the property for life or a specified period of time allows you to gift a significant asset and receive an income tax deduction for the value of your property, while preserving the asset.
Retirement Plans
Designating Talcott as a beneficiary to all, or part, of your 401K, SEP or other qualified retirement plan preserves the asset, as it would not be subject to estate tax.
Stocks, Bonds & Other Financial Assets
Appreciated Assets: Transferring long term assets directly to Talcott allows you to take an immediate deduction against income (transfer date fair market value of asset) without paying long term capital gains tax at the time the asset is ultimately sold by Talcott.
Depressed Financial Assets: Selling your long term holding for a capital loss to donate the proceeds to Talcott provides for a tax deduction for the proceeds gifted to Talcott.
Trusts
Establishing a Charitable Lead Trust with assets in your portfolio provides fixed annual income to Talcott while reducing estate and inheritance taxes. Asset appreciation accrues tax-free to the individuals named in your trust.