By Jennifer Conti, Director of Development
Every time you visit Elmwood Park Zoo, you’re probably focused on the animals – and that’s exactly how it should be.
Maybe you’re feeding a giraffe, watching our keepers interact with a porcupine, introducing your child to wildlife for the very first time, or simply enjoying a day outdoors with family. Behind every one of those moments, though, is something many guests don’t realize.
Elmwood Park Zoo is a nonprofit organization.
For more than 100 years, Elmwood Park Zoo has relied on the generosity of the community to help it blossom into what we are today. From supporting the care of our animals and inspiring future conservation ambassadors to contributing to our operations and expansion plans. Together, we’ve built a beloved regional institution.
Every individual donation, every corporate support/partnership, and every gift from a foundation helps make that mission possible.
YOUR SUPPORT GOES FURTHER THAN YOU THINK
Many of our guests are surprised to learn the Zoo is a nonprofit, and that a meaningful gift has significant tax benefits. Whether you’re planning your annual charitable giving or looking ahead to your estate plans, there are several options that can maximize the impact of your generosity.
Five Tax-Smart Ways to Support Elmwood Park Zoo
> Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)
Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program allows eligible donors to receive up to 90% of their gift back through state tax credits. A $10,000 contribution, for example, could reduce your Pennsylvania tax liability by $9,000. Even better, through Elmwood Park Zoo’s partnership with Friends of Education, individuals—not just businesses—may now be eligible to participate.
Your gift directly supports the Zoo’s educational programming, helping inspire thousands of students each year.
> Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
If you have a Donor-Advised Fund, recommending a grant to Elmwood Park Zoo (Norristown Zoological Society) is one of the simplest ways to support our mission. Contact your fund administrator to recommend a gift.
> Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
If you’re age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA. These gifts can satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution while reducing taxable income.
> Gifts of Appreciated Stock
Donating appreciated securities may allow you to avoid capital gains taxes while also receiving a charitable deduction based on the fair market value of the donated assets.
> Estate Planning
Leaving a legacy at Elmwood Park Zoo can be as simple as including the Zoo in your will or estate plan. Other options, including Charitable Lead Trusts and Charitable Remainder Trusts, can provide income to either your family or the Zoo first while creating lasting charitable impact. Your attorney or financial advisor can help determine which approach best aligns with your goals.
MORE THAN A ZOO
Elmwood Park Zoo also partners with corporations and family foundations that share our commitment to education, conservation, and community engagement. These partnerships create meaningful opportunities for organizations to advance both their philanthropic mission and business objectives while helping the Zoo continue to thrive.
EVERY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Whether you’re feeding a giraffe, attending one of our signature events, introducing your children to wildlife, or supporting us through a tax-smart charitable gift, you’re helping write the next chapter of Elmwood Park Zoo’s story.
As you begin thinking about your charitable giving, we hope you’ll consider investing in the future of a nonprofit that has been serving our community for more than a century.
To learn more about these giving opportunities, contact Jennifer Conti, Elmwood Park Zoo’s Development Director. We’d love to help you find the giving option that’s right for you—and show you exactly how your generosity helps care for wildlife, educate future conservationists, and ensure Elmwood Park Zoo continues to thrive for generations to come.
CONTACT INFO:
Jennifer Conti, Development Director
jconti@elmwoodparkzoo.org
(610) 277-3825 x229
ORGANIZATION INFO:
Norristown Zoological Society DBA Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd. Norristown, PA 19401
EIN: 23-1970067
BROKERAGE INFORMATION FOR STOCK TRANSFERS:
Vanguard
Norristown Zoological Society
Brokerage #61571119
DTC code # 0062
