As with many businesses in our area, the Legacy of the Plains Museum has been hit hard by the Coronavirus. We have closed our doors to visitors in mid-March, and we have lost revenue that we would use for basic operations. Although we have drastically cut our expenses, we are looking at significant losses in revenue.
Check out our #Iamlegacy Fundraising Facebook Event!
We are asking our community to help us get through these troubling times. There are a couple of different ways you can contribute.
Memberships
A membership is a great way to contribute to the mission of the museum and reap the benefits at the same time. Our membership levels are very low compared to other attractions, and we have three different levels to choose from. Single/Couples membership is $35, Family membership is $50, and a business membership is only $100. Memberships also make great gifts for everyone. Click here to visit our membership page. Click here to download a membership form.
Donations
In April, Congress passed the CARE ACT, which includes a provision allowing individuals to deduct up to $300 from their taxes, even if they do not itemize. If you take the standard deduction on your 2020 tax return (the one that you’re filing in 2021), you can claim a brand new “above-the-line” deduction of up to $300 for cash donations to charity you make this year. Any amount will be appreciated. Click here to visit our donations page.
Purchase Museum Admissions
We are offering admissions certificates to utilize when we open back up. Admission prices: Adults (19+) $10:00, Children (6-18) $5, Veterans $9:00, and students with a valid ID $5:00. Children under the age of 6 are free. Payment can either be via Paypal (using a credit card), or a check can be sent to 2930, Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341. Please indicate what admissions you are paying for, and we will send you your certificate. The certificates make great gifts for family or friends, especially if they are from out of the area. Please consider the ages when you purchase the admissions, and if they have a birthday that puts them in a different category before you use the certificate, no additional charges will be applied.
Other charitable options
There are plenty of other options for provide funding for our mission to persevere the history of the area.
- Qualified Charitably Distribution – People who are age 70 ½ or older can contribute up to $100,000 from their IRA directly to a charity and avoid paying income taxes on the distribution.
- Estate Plan – There can be significant tax advantages to donating retirement assets to charity as part of an estate plan. When done properly, charitable donations of retirement assets can minimize the amount of income taxes imposed on both your individual heirs and your estate.
- Click here for more information on these options.