Planned Giving Opportunities

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center depends largely on private funds for its public programs and services, and for the preservation and growth of its permanent collections. Private funds are essential to the center's mission of acquiring, preserving and interpreting the art and material culture of the American West.

We have listed below some tax-deductible options for making donations to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. All gifts over $500 are recognized in the Annual Report, and those over $25,000 appear on the Donor Board in the orientation gallery.

Naming opportunities for galleries, curatorial chairs, and art purchase funds, in recognition of gifts, are also available.

Gifts may be in the form of cash, securities, real estate or tangible assets, through your corporation, or as gifts in honor or memory. Gifts may be paid over a period of three to five years on a schedule and in amounts convenient to the donor.

Estate and Gift Planning Options:

Bequests - A gift by will or living trust.

Gift Annuity - A contract between you and the historical center, initiated by your irrevocable gift of at least $5,000.

Charitable Remainder Trusts - Individually created and managed trusts; one type provides a guaranteed fixed income, while another provides a fluctuating annual payment based on a percentage of the trust's principal.

Life Insurance - Gifts through life insurance are a practical way to give a substantial gift at a moderate cost.

Life Estate Agreement - Provides for the giving of homes, summer homes, farms or ranches as a future gift by will to the Center at substantial immediate income tax benefits as well as future estate and inheritance tax advantages.

Charitable Lead Trust - Assets such as real estate, securities, or bonds are transferred to a trust that pays an annual amount to the Center for a specified period. After this time, the property returns to you or another beneficiary.

More Information

For more information about these gift options, please contact Wally Reber, or by phone at 307.578.4008. You may also write to him at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, 720 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, Wyoming 82414. Your inquiries are strictly confidential and without obligation.

View our privacy policy.