Designate and Donate—Bank Accounts
Ask the bank for a Payable on Death (P.O.D.) form. After your passing, what remains in the checking or savings account will be transferred to Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
How It Works
- Contact your bank to complete or update your P.O.D. form for your checking, savings accounts, and jointly-held accounts.
- Designate the Foundation (Tax ID #26-0803466) to receive the remaining account balance after your passing.
Benefits
- You maintain control and use of the account balance during your lifetime.
- Your assets bypass probate court, simplifying the estate process for your heirs.
- You can modify your gift to address changing circumstances.
- You can direct your gift to a particular purpose (be sure to check with us to make sure your gift can be used as intended).
- Receive a charitable deduction, which will reduce any estate or inheritance taxes.
- The Foundation receives the balance of the accounts to use according to your wishes.
- A POD is simpler to create and maintain than a trust or will.
Checking and Savings Accounts: A Gift You Can Make
When you opened your checking and savings account, you signed paperwork describing how the bank account will work. Do you remember what will happen to the bank accounts after you pass away? The P.O.D. form tells the bank who will receive the funds remaining in the bank account when the account owner passes away. Your loved ones and/or the Foundation may be listed on the P.O.D. form. This is a meaningful way to begin your charitable legacy. It also keeps your bank accounts from becoming part of your estate, which may have to be administered by the probate system in your state.
Jointly Held Accounts
You may be a joint owner of the account or you may have made a loved one a joint owner. The joint owner may make deposits and withdrawals during your lifetime. The joint owner may also have "rights of survivorship," meaning that he/she will automatically inherit the account when you pass away. Even if you have a joint account, you should complete the P.O.D. form to assure that the bank knows what to do with the remaining assets when both account holders have passed away. This step will also assure that the account may not become part of a time consuming and costly probate process.
Contact Us
Planning your estate and legacy for future generations, including your charitable interests, takes careful evaluation. Consulting with the appropriate professionals can assist you.
The material presented on this Planned Giving website is not offered as legal or tax advice.
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Create a Permanent Tribute on the National Museum of the Marine Corps' Historic Grounds
Leave your mark on history and honor someone who has served our nation. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Commemorative Brick Program offers a unique way to recognize Marines, veterans, family members, and friends while supporting the Museum’s mission to preserve Marine Corps history.
Each personalized brick is permanently installed along the pathways of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the National Museum of the Marine Corps — a breathtaking setting that overlooks the Museum and pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of all Marines.
A Meaningful Gift and Lasting Tribute
For a $300 donation, your brick will be engraved with your personal message and placed in this scenic and historic setting overlooking the Museum.
Engraving Details:
- Up to 3 lines of text
- 20 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation)
Each brick is a testament to the Marine Corps legacy and helps preserve and share Marine Corps history for generations to come.

Order Your Commemorative Brick Today
Make your lasting tribute by ordering your brick online. Your donation supports the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s mission to preserve the history, traditions, and culture of the Marine Corps.

Visit Your Brick at Semper Fidelis Memorial Park
Once installed, we welcome you to visit your tribute brick in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park — a peaceful space dedicated to reflecting on the service and sacrifice of all Marines.
Use the Online Brick Locator to search by name, brick number, city, state, or inscription for a detailed map of each commemorative brick installed on the Museum grounds.
For best results, we recommend entering information into one field only and clicking Submit.