Every year, Americans give billions of dollars to thousands of charities they care about. The bulk of this giving comes from individuals such as you and me.

If you are contemplating making charitable contributions, I’d like to talk with you about the different choices you have. Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans. Philanthropy may not only give you great personal satisfaction, it may also give you a current income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the amount of taxes your estate may owe when you die.

There are many ways to give to charity. You can make gifts during your lifetime or at your death. You can make gifts outright or use a trust. You can name a charity as a beneficiary in your will, or designate a charity as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy. Or, if your gift is substantial, you can establish a private foundation, community foundation, or donor-advised fund.

If you are interested in exploring any of these options to organize your family’s charitable giving, or to learn more, contact us today.