Planned Giving Legacy Society
RAPTOR Inc., like all non-profit organizations, depends on the generous support of our community to achieve our mission to conserve local birds of prey. Our operations are primarily funded through memberships, educational programs, grants, and donations. Unfortunately, the availability of these revenue sources varies from year to year, making long-term planning challenging. Planned Giving enables non-profits, like RAPTOR Inc., to ensure long- term financial stability and sustainability by providing a predictable revenue source that typically increases over the years and is stable during tough economic times.
Non-profits touch our lives and enrich our communities in many ways. The role they play in society is too important to leave to chance. Planned Giving is easy to do, is an excellent way to support a cause you are passionate about, and creates a long-term philanthropic legacy that reflects the values of the giver.
Create a Lasting Legacy Through Planned Giving
If making a difference is important to you then charitable giving can be an important part of your life and your core values. Like many people, you would like to know that the causes and organizations you care about today will continue to thrive in the future.
The good news is you don’t have to be Andrew Carnegie or Bill Gates to start a meaningful philanthropic legacy. In addition to supporting the work of RAPTOR Inc. through cash donations, consider making a planned gift.
What Is Planned Giving?
Planned Giving is a win-win approach to philanthropic donations that supports your favorite non-profit organization and can benefit you now or in the future. Have you ever made a vehicle donation to benefit your favorite charity? If you have, you know that transferring assets is easy and it can provide tax benefits as well. Simply put, “planned giving” is the transfer of assets to a designated non-profit organization during a lifetime or as part of an estate plan. This forward-thinking approach to giving is “planned” because often these assets are not liquid, have tax consequences and are generally transferred via a will or other written means.
It’s Easy
Planned Giving is easy to do and you don’t have to be wealthy to do it. Whether it is naming your favorite charity in your will or trust for a modest amount, or a gift of a house and property, there is an easy option that is right for you. Your financial or estate planner can advise you what works best in your situation and can set up the gift for you.
It Can Involve Assets You Might Never Think Of
A life insurance policy. Real estate. Stocks. Business holdings. A checking or savings account. These are all assets that can be leveraged in planned gifts.
It Can Generate an Income Stream
In return for the donation of real estate, stocks or other assets, donors can receive a series of regular payments as set up by your financial or estate planner.
It Can Provide Generous Tax Benefits
Depending upon the type of gift, short-term and/or long-term tax benefits may apply. Donors at a variety of income levels can benefit.
It Can Work in Tandem with Other Family Priorities. Planned Giving is not an “all or nothing” option. Gifts can exist side-by-side with other beneficiaries and personal priorities.
Join RAPTOR Inc.’s Legacy Society
Designating a planned gift of $10,000 or more automatically makes you a member of RAPTOR Inc.’s Legacy Society. With the member’s permission, Legacy Society members receive recognition on our website and in publications. They will also receive invitations to and recognition at organizational special events.
In addition to the satisfaction of making a meaningful gift, most planned gifts have immediate and/or long-term tax benefits. The list below can help you find the type of gift that is right for you. Consult with your financial advisor or estate planner and join the Legacy Society of RAPTOR Inc. today!
Gifts at a Glance
Suggested Gift Type: Bequest
Donor Profile: Donors of any age or income level.
How It Works: Gift of any amount through a will, trust, life insurance policy or IRA.
Benefits to Donors: Estate tax benefits.
Suggested Gift Type: Charitable Remainder Trust
Donor Profile: Donors of any age, most often middle- aged. Good for complex or appreciated assets.
How It Works: A gift of cash in return for variable payments (% of gift). Upon passing, remainder is distributed to the charity.
Benefits to Donors: Annual income that can adjust over time. Acts as hedge against inflation. May avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets. Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift.
Suggested Gift Type: Charitable Gift Annuity
Donor Profile: Older donors who want to help a charity, have liquid assets (such as stocks, CDs, savings accounts). Middle-age donors who want to provide income for their parents or others.
How It Works: A gift of cash or stock in return for fixed payments to the donor for life. Upon passing, remainder is distributed to the charity.
Benefits to Donors: Security of a fixed income for life. Knowledge it is guaranteed by organization. Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift.
Suggested Gift Type: Retained Life Estate
Donor Profile: Older donors who own their own homes.
How It Works: A gift of primary residence, vacation home or other property.
Benefits to Donors: Donor can continue to live in or use property. Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift.
Anyone considering a planned gift should consult your tax and/or legal advisors to determine the consequences of making a gift.
