What is planned giving?
Sometimes referred to as gift planning, planned giving is any major gift you make during your lifetime or as part of your overall financial and/or estate planning. Whether you use cash, appreciated securities/stock, real estate, artwork, partnership interests, personal property, life insurance, a retirement plan, etc., a planned gift allows you to give in a way that is most beneficial to you and your family, as well as CAPS.
Do I have to be wealthy or a certain age to make a planned gift?
No. There are many gifts anyone can make now, without affecting your cash flow or lifestyle. These gifts can be made at almost any stage of your life and only require some simple preparation with a professional advisor. To find a professional advisor, start here.
What are the three most common gifts?
- Gifts that use your appreciated assets as a substitute for cash, including securities, real estate, art, and other tangible personal property.
- Gifts that provide income or other financial benefits to you in return for your contribution, including Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and Pooled Income Funds.
- Legacy gifts that name CAPS as the beneficiary of your will, living trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy.
What are the tax advantages of planned giving?
The United States tax law provides many tax benefits for estate planning. For instance, depending on the type of life insurance policy you donate, you may receive an income tax deduction for the year in which you make your gift. If the policy is owned by CAPS, any future premium payments you make or that you contribute to CAPS may also be tax deductible. Please consult your financial advisor for specific tax advantages.
Many other questions can be answered throughout the planned giving section of this website. We’ve also included advisor tools and sample language for your financial advisor.