Bequests: Wills and Trusts
Goal: Defer a gift until after your
lifetime
Benefit: Your donations are fully exempt
from federal estate tax and you retain control of your assets
Diagram
David and Ann originally established a fund that would help purchase needed equipment, supplies, and provide for maintenance. They had made an outright gift of some appreciated stock. It was later, after their experiences with the staff, that they changed their will to include a bequest that will magnify the fund tenfold.
Ann: "We felt good about helping through establishing a small fund. But we had no idea what the fund would bring to us."
David: Over the years, we have met with some of the people involved who are on the front lines - doing the work. We've even been able to help a little ourselves. I can't describe how good it feels to sit with these people, to hear them describe their dreams and ambitions and how we've helped. What a joy to realize that we have become a part of their future and that these people have literally become a part of our family."
Ann: "I feel like we really have accomplished something good!"
Benefits
Setting all the emotional rewards aside, this was a wise financial move.
First, there were some immediate tax benefits on the initial gift based not on the cost of the stock, but on its appreciated value. Second, their estate will benefit by having a write-off to charity through the bequest (see bequest information).
There is some additional information available about the benefits of utilizing a charitable bequest and how bequests enable you to keep control of your assets.
Other Bequest Options
Using funds from a retirement account to make bequests is often a good strategy. If there is a balance in your retirement account at your death, not only is there a potential income tax burden, but there may be estate taxes as well. 
Estimates are that taxes could eat up as much as 70-75% of retirement assets under certain circumstances. Careful planning concerning retirement funds needs to be done. Some additional information regarding retirement assets is available.
Another option to consider in making a gift is to use life insurance policies that are no longer needed or necessary. There are some different ways to make a gift of life insurance.
Ann and David found their experience enriched their hearts and lives. Often donors are surprised by just how wonderful the giving experience is.
For more information or a confidential discussion of your charitable options, please email or call the Development Director for Major Giving, Maria Bradford,
at (314) 516-7476.
Please note, individual financial circumstances will vary. The information on this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. Donor stories and photographs are for purposes of illustration only. As with all tax and estate planning, please consult your attorney or estate specialist. All material is copyrighted and is for viewing purposes only. Use of this site signifies your agreement with the terms of use. The content in this Planned Giving section has been developed for St. Louis Public Radio and is owned by Future Focus. Please report any problems to section webmaster.