Charitable Gift Annuities

Establishing a gift annuity through the Massachusetts Historical Society is a popular way to receive annuity payments while making a charitable donation. In this respect, a gift annuity issued by the Society is different from a commercial annuity; however, the fact that you are making a charitable gift may provide you with tax benefits, including a current federal income tax charitable deduction, annuity payments that are partially tax-free, and future estate tax savings.

A charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between you and the Society.  In exchange for your irrevocable contribution, the MHS promises to make fixed, guaranteed payments for life to you and/or another beneficiary. The amount paid is based on the age of the annuitant, in accordance with the Society’s rate schedule. Generally, the rates paid by the MHS are those suggested by the American Council on Gift Annuities, a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible philanthropy through actuarially sound gift annuity rate recommendations. These rates are calculated so as to provide attractive payments to the beneficiary and to result in a significant portion of the contribution remaining to support the Society. 

To request more information on charitable gift annuities, please contact the Development department at 617-646-0543 or [email protected].