Bank or Brokerage Accounts

Simple and Straightforward Ways to Support Natural Resources Defense Council

Designating Natural Resources Defense Council as beneficiary of your bank accounts, certificates of deposit, or brokerage accounts is a simple and straightforward way to support NRDC's efforts to safeguard the planet. There are two options you can use to make this gift to us:

Payable on death (POD).* By placing a POD designation on your bank account or certificate of deposit, you can name one or more persons or charities as the beneficiary of all funds once you, the account owner, pass away. The beneficiary you name has no rights to the funds until after your lifetime. Until that time, you remain in control and are free to use the money in the bank account, to change the beneficiary, or to close the account.

By setting up your bank account or certificate of deposit, in this way, the estate planning and administration process is simplified. The executor or administrator of your estate will not have to take any action to ensure that your account transfers to whomever you designated. Simply ask your bank representative about the one or two easy steps you need to take in order to place a POD designation on your bank account or certificate of deposit.

Transfer on death (TOD).* By placing a TOD designation on your brokerage or investment account, that account will be paid over to one or more persons or charities after your lifetime. It is not necessary for the TOD designation to transfer all of the account solely to charity—you can designate a certain percentage of the account. Like a POD account, with a TOD account the beneficiary you name has no rights to the funds until after your lifetime. Until that time, you are free to use the money in the brokerage account, to change the beneficiary, or to close the account.

A TOD designation also simplifies the estate planning and administration process. The executor or administrator of your estate will not have to take any action to ensure that your securities transfer to whomever you designated. To set up the TOD endorsement, simply contact your investment adviser and provide instructions regarding the change.

*State laws govern payable on death accounts and transfer on death accounts. Please consult with your bank representative or investment adviser if you are considering these gifts.

Younger than 65?

Your payments depend on your age at the time of the donation. If you are younger than 60, we recommend that you learn more about your options and download this FREE guide, Plan for Retirement With a Deferred Gift Annuity.

How It Works

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Next Steps

  1. Contact Michelle Mulia-Howell at 212.727.4421 or giftplanning@nrdc.org for additional information.
  2. Seek the advice of your financial or legal adviser.
  3. If you include NRDC in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.

Legal Information
Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.
40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011
Federal Tax ID Number: 13-2654926