Ways to Give

There are a number of ways for community member to support the foundation.

Charitable Gift Annuity
The concept of the charitable gift annuity in America dates back to 1843, when a merchant in Boston first donated a gift of money to the American Bible Society in exchange for a flow of income. Today, the concept includes valuable tax benefits for donors. But perhaps more valuable than the financial advantages is the satisfaction donors gain by helping to continue our mission and good works.

Bequests
Leave your legacy by making a gift in your will to friends, family, and charitable organizations. A bequest is one of the simplest ways to remember those you care about most.

Retained Life Estate
One of your valued possessions, your home, can become a valued gift to the Foundation even while you are still living in it, and even if you want your spouse or other survivor to live there for life. This arrangement is called a retained life estate.

Wealth Replacement Trust
Perhaps you would like to make a sizable contribution to the Foundation now to help meet our current needs, but you don't want to reduce the estate you will pass to your family. Your financial advisor may be able to help with a solution.

Charitable Remainder Trust
What are your plans for the future? While there is no single way to achieve all of your personal and financial goals, there is one strategy that can meet many of your needs. It's called a charitable remainder trust. In the right circumstances, this plan can increase your income, reduce your taxes, unlock appreciated investments, rid you of investment worries.

Charitable Lead Trust
If your goal is to provide an inheritance for your children, but you would also like to make a significant charitable gift through your estate, your financial advisor will be able to provide information on how a charitable lead trust can help you satisfy both objectives.

What to Give

Gifts of Real Estate
If you own property that is fully paid off and has appreciated in value, an outright gift may be the simplest solution. You can deduct the fair market value of your gift, avoid all capital gains taxes, and remove that asset from your taxable estate. You can transfer the deed of your home or farm to the Foundation now and keep the right to use the property for your lifetime and that of your spouse.

Gifts of Life Insurance
You can donate a life insurance policy to us or simply name the Foundation as the beneficiary. For the gift of a paid-up policy, you will receive an income tax deduction equal to the lesser of the cash value of the policy or the total premiums paid. To qualify for the federal charitable contribution deduction on a gift of an existing policy, you must name the Foundation as owner and beneficiary.

Gifts of Cash
The simplest way to give. However, you can deduct a cash gift for income tax purposes only in the year in which you contribute it. Your cash gifts are deductible up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income for the taxable year, but any excess is deductible over the next five years.

Gifts of Securities: Closely Held Stock
Closely held stock that is not publicly traded can also be used as a charitable gift even if you want to maintain a control position in the stock.

Gifts of Securities
The best stocks to donate are those that have increased greatly in value, particularly those producing a low yield. Even if it is stock you wish to keep in your portfolio, by giving the Foundation the stock and using cash to buy the same stock through your broker, you will have received the same income tax deduction but will have a new, higher basis in the stock.

Gifts of Retirement Plan Assets
Learn how to preserve more of your estate for the people and organizations that matter most in your life. Your financial advisor can provide information on how to protect your retirement plan.