Cognizant of the worldwide role that the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) plays for environmental research and education, numerous individuals and organizations have become involved in BIOS programs over the years as supporters and/or volunteers.
BIOS is a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers. In addition, BIOS is a Bermuda Registered Charity, and charitable trusts exist in Canada and the United Kingdom to support visits to BIOS by scientists and students from those countries. More Information
UK taxpayers are able to make tax-deductible gifts by donating to BIOS, UK Associates. This charity is able to accept restricted and unrestricted gifts for all of the work carried out at BIOS, and can also accept funds for sponsoring students from the UK to study at the Institution. (Bios in the UK)
Many individuals, corporations and private foundations become involved with BIOS through BIOS's Annual Fund. Members are invited to a series of lectures, field trips and other events, and are kept informed of BIOS research and educational programs by receiving the Annual Report, Currents and other information.
For more information about supporting BIOS's programs, please see Ways to Give, or contact the Development Office at 441-297-1880 ext. 204 or keesha.simon-walker(at)bios.edu.
BIOS Annual Fund members receive the BIOS Annual Report, Currents and other information. Members are invited to participate in BIOS's annual series of activities for supporters as outlined above. Admission to regular lectures is free for BIOS supporters and $10 for the general public. Some events are restricted to specific contribution categories. Please see the key below. All events are space limited. Please reserve by calling (441) 297-1880 , ext. 204 or e-mail vanessa.shorto(at)bios.edu.
Click here for information on becoming a member of BIOS.
| Contribution Categories |
| President's Circle |
|
Associates |
| The Visionaries |
$50,000 or more |
The Voyagers |
$500 - $999 |
| The Roundtable |
$25,000 - $49,999 |
The Mariners |
$250 - $499 |
| The Ocean Protectors |
$10,000 - $24,999 |
The Adventurers |
$100 - $249 |
| The Explorers |
$5,000 - $9,999 |
The Researchers |
$50 - $99 |
| The Argonauts |
$1000 - $4,999 |
|
|
Planned Giving Opportunities
All gifts to BIOS will be included in the New Horizon Campaign. Pledges, confirmed in writing and scheduled for payment within five years of the date of the pledge, will receive full credit to the campaign.
In addition to gifts of cash, BIOS encourages donors to the New Horizon Campaign to utilize the many benefits of planned gifts, such as bequests, gifts of appreciated property and charitable remainder trusts.
Bequests
Do you want to help shape BIOS's future after your lifetime? Here are some suggestions:
- You can give BIOS a specific property or a specific amount of cash or securities by making a bequest in your will.
- You can leave certain personal or real property to BIOS and allow BIOS to decide whether it is better to keep it or sell it.
- You can give BIOS a share of what is left in your estate after other obligations are met.
- You can make a contingent bequest. That is, you give part of your estate to some individual if that person survives you; if not, then it goes to BIOS.
- You can create a trust to pay an income to your spouse or other relative for life and designate the remaining principal to BIOS, or you can create a trust to pay an income to your designated non-profit institution(s) for a specific period or after a designated life, with the principal to go to your heirs or an individual or individuals thereafter.
BIOS prefers unrestricted gifts. This allows the institution to use the funds where they are most needed. If a gift is to be restricted, it is recommended that the provisions be reviewed with BIOS to ensure that your wishes can be carried out.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities or Other Property
When making your charitable giving decisions, consider giving appreciated securities as a way to increase support of BIOS. Gifts of long-term, appreciated assets, such as securities, can save U.S. taxpayers twice: you do not pay capital gains on any of the increase in value over your cost, yet you can deduct the full fair market value of your gift.
To make a gift of appreciated securities or other property, or to learn more about planned giving opportunities through bequests, trusts, and other methods, please contact the BIOS Development Office at 441-297-1880 , extension 204 or e-mail horizon(at)bios.edu.
By making a pledge online: http://www.bbsr.edu/involved/pledge/pledge.html
BIOS Pledge Form PDF
