Ways to Give

There are many ways to give through your community foundation. Here are some of the most common methods donors chose. We, along with your financial, tax or estate planner, can help you chose the method that is right for you.

Outright Gift

Donors who establish personal philanthropic funds with their community foundation during their lifetimes receive one priceless benefit: the joy of watching their philanthropic dollars at work. Unless they choose to remain anonymous, their generosity will be recognized both by those who benefit from their fund and the community as a whole. An outright gift accomplishes two important tax objectives: a charitable income tax deduction in the year of the gift and the reduction of the gross estate for future estate tax purposes. In addition, donors eliminate capital gains taxes for gifts of appreciated property. Donors can create or add to their fund with gifts of cash, publicly-traded or closely-held securities, real estate or personal property.

Bequest by Will

You can designate a gift or portion of your estate to your community foundation and, in some cases, receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes.

Charitable Gift Annuity

You can make a gift of cash or property to your community foundation now, get immediate tax benefits, and ensure that you or a loved one receive fixed annual income payments for life.

Charitable Remainder Trust

You can place cash or property in a trust that pays annual income to you (or another named beneficiary) for life. After your death, the remainder of the trust transfers to your community foundation and is placed into a charitable fund you have selected. You receive income tax benefits the year you establish your trust.

Charitable Lead Trust

You can place cash or property into a trust that pays a fixed amount to your community foundation for the number of years you select. Once this period ends, the assets held by the trust are transferred to the beneficiaries you name. In some cases, you receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes. 

Bequests

A bequest is the simplest way for many donors to make significant, lasting gifts to their community. After the needs of spouses, children and other loved ones have been addressed, many individuals find it satisfying to know that a portion of their resources will go toward the common good. When you are preparing a will, ask the simple question, “Are there any charitable interests you would like to support?” A bequest can also significantly reduce the federal estate tax and the inheritance tax due at the donor’s death. Because a bequest to create a named fund with the foundation qualifies for an unlimited charitable deduction and because combined federal and state taxes can exceed 67% on larger estates, a bequest gift can create dramatic tax savings for the estate. Thus, many people can make significant gifts at a relatively small cost to their heirs. Alternatively, you can make the foundation a contingent beneficiary in the event other beneficiaries die before you.

Life Estates

By donating the remainder interest in a home or farm, you and your spouse can continue to live in the residence for life, while obtaining a generous current income tax deduction. Vacation homes may also be donated. On termination of your interest(s), the Foundation will sell the property and establish a charitable fund with the proceeds.

Giving Circles

Often described as a “social investment club,” a Giving Circle is a pooled fund, generally hosted a community foundation, through which members make grants together. Circles are typically organized around a particular issue or area of interest, such as women’s issues, the environment, health, or education, and are considered a high-engagement form of philanthropy because donors engage in collective decision-making and educational activities. The circle’s grantmaking functions – which may include issuing a request for proposals, proposal review, and site visits – offer an enriching philanthropic experience. This participatory process, combined with the increased impact of pooled charitable dollars, has strong appeal for many donors. Giving Circles allow for a wide range in charitable styles, philosophies and politics, structure, size, and focus.

Each individual, family, or organization we work with has unique charitable interests … and unique financial circumstances. We help you make the most of both, so you receive the greatest return on your community investment.