Home » Legacy Giving » Guide to Charitable Bequests: Choosing the Right Option for You
Guide to Types of Bequests:
Choosing the Right Option
In this guide, we’ll explore different types of charitable bequests and who they are most suitable for, helping you select the best option for your situation.
When it comes to supporting the causes you care about, there are various ways to make a meaningful impact through charitable bequests.
In the articles below, we will delve into the different types of legacy giving you should take into consideration. We will also provide insights into the factors to consider when selecting the most suitable option for your unique situation, including alignment with your values, impact potential, tax implications, and flexibility.
By understanding the different options and making an informed decision, you can leave a lasting legacy and contribute to the causes that matter most to you. Let’s explore the world of charitable bequests and discover how you can make a difference.
General Bequests
If you have a specific amount or asset in mind that you’d like to leave to a charity, a General Bequest might be the right choice for you. This is a simple and straightforward way of making your wishes known and ensuring they’re carried out exactly as you intend.
Donor Advised Fund
If you’re looking for some flexibility in your charitable giving, along with immediate tax benefits, consider a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). This option allows you to make charitable contributions over time, and you also retain some advisory privileges over how the donation is used.
Appreciated Stock
If you hold appreciated securities, donating stock to a charity is a powerful way to make an impact. This option allows you to potentially avoid capital gains taxes and possibly deduct the full market value. This could be an efficient way for you to leverage your investments for good.
Retirement Accounts
If you want to support a charitable organization while preserving more of your estate for your heirs, consider naming a charity as a beneficiary of your retirement account. This can be a tax-efficient method of giving, as the charity will receive the remaining balance of the account free from income or estate taxes.
Life Insurance Policy
If you have a life insurance policy that’s no longer needed to provide for dependents, naming a charity as a beneficiary could be a great choice. This way, you’re able to make a significant contribution to a cause you care about without affecting your current income.
Charitable Gift Annuities
If you’re looking for a way to secure income during retirement while also making a charitable gift, Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) could be your answer. With a CGA, you can receive a steady income stream during your lifetime and the charity receives the remainder of the gift upon your passing.
Charitable Lead Annuity Trust
If you’re interested in supporting a charity while also providing for yourself or your heirs, establishing a charitable trust could be the solution. Trusts like Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT) and Charitable Lead Trusts (CLT) offer flexibility in how assets are distributed over time.
Charitable Remainder Trust
A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), which serves as a bridge between financial planning and philanthropy, fostering a sustainable avenue for long-term giving.
Blended Gifts
Blended gifts involve combining multiple types of charitable bequests into a single, integrated gift, offering donors the flexibility to customize their donations to align with their philanthropic goals and maximize the impact of their gifts. This article highlights the benefits of blended gift and provides a step-by-step guidance for creating blended gifts that align with the donor’s goals.
Charitable Remainder Trust
A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), which serves as a bridge between financial planning and philanthropy, fostering a sustainable avenue for long-term giving.
Remember, the right charitable bequest for you depends on your financial situation, your philanthropic goals, and the nature of the assets you wish to donate. It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or estate planning professional to ensure your plans align with your goals and are executed in the most tax-efficient way. Your careful planning can make a lasting difference to the causes you deeply care about.
Remember, the right charitable bequest for you depends on your financial situation, your philanthropic goals, and the nature of the assets you wish to donate. It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or estate planning professional to ensure your plans align with your goals and are executed in the most tax-efficient way. Your careful planning can make a lasting difference to the causes you deeply care about.
Choosing an Organization to Donate to
Trusted Endorsements: Approvals for RMBH Charities
The approval of Rebbe Meir Baal Haness (RMBH) Charities by GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and PayPal Giving Fund is a testament to the organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective use of funds in its mission to help those in need. These endorsements from trusted third-party evaluators provide donors with the confidence that their contributions will be used responsibly and have a meaningful impact.
- GuideStar: As one of the world’s largest sources of information on nonprofit organizations, GuideStar provides comprehensive, up-to-date data on charities. Its approval indicates that RMBH Charities meets the highest standards of transparency, allowing donors to access detailed information about the organization’s mission, financials, governance, and impact.
- Charity Navigator: As America’s largest independent charity evaluator, Charity Navigator rates nonprofits based on their financial health, accountability, and transparency. Its endorsement of RMBH Charities signifies that the organization adheres to best practices and uses its resources efficiently, ensuring that donor contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of those it serves.
- PayPal Giving Fund: The PayPal Giving Fund is a grantmaking organization that supports various charitable causes. Its approval of RMBH Charities means that the organization has undergone a rigorous review process, meeting strict criteria related to financial transparency, governance, and programmatic effectiveness. This endorsement allows donors to contribute through the PayPal platform, knowing that their donations are going to a reputable and trustworthy organization.