Type of Gift | Definition | Tax Benefits | Additional Benefits |
Bequests | Gifts you make by naming a charitable organization in your will | Estate tax deduction for the value of your bequest to the charitable organization | Gives you flexibility in providing for family needs first |
Retirement Plan Assets | Gifts made by naming a charitable organization as remainder beneficiary after your death | Avoids income tax on the plan, in addition to possible estate tax | Preserves plan’s value and allows you to leave heirs less costly bequests |
Real Estate | Donations of real property, either in full or with a retained life estate | Immediate income tax deduction for the charitable value of the gift, plus no capital gains tax due | Can allow you to live in your home and still receive charitable deduction |
Life Insurance | Gifts of old or new policies with a charitable organization named as beneficiary and owner | Immediate income tax deduction for gift’s value, plus possible estate tax savings | Provides a way to make a significant gift with little expenditure |
Charitable Annuities | Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, real estate or other assets that pay income to you or those you name | Tax deduction, minimized capital gains tax liability | Guaranteed payments |
Charitable Remainder Trusts | Trusts that pay a set income to you or those you name before a charitable organization receives remainder | Income tax savings from deduction, no capital gains tax liability, possible estate tax savings | Provides variable annual income for donor or other beneficiary |
Charitable Lead Trusts | Trusts that pay an income to a charitable organization for a period of years before you or heirs receive remainder | Gift or estate tax savings for value of payments made to the organization | Allows you to pass assets to heirs intact at a reduced cost |
For more information about planned giving and the Paul M. Fye Society, please contact Jim Flynn, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (508) 289-2018, or at jflynn@whoi.edu.