Planned gifts can come in many forms. Which one is right for you? We can help you plan your gift so that you support LSS/NCA's mission while making sure that you and your loved ones have the financial stability you need for your own future. We look forward to helping you determine the way to support LSS/NCA that is best for you.
Explore the following options:
All donors of planned gifts to LSS/NCA become members of The 1917 Society.
We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about the best way to achieve your philanthropic goals. If you are considering a gift to LSS/NCA through appreciated securities, bequest, life insurance policy, or real estate and would like more information please contact Summer Parrish, Director of Development, at ParrishS@lssnca.org or (202) 723-3000.
Appreciated Securities
When you make a $10,000 outright gift of cash to LSS/NCA, you receive a $10,000 charitable gift deduction for it. The same is true if you make your gift in appreciated securities -- with one major difference. With a gift of appreciated securities, you also avoid capital gains taxes, which in essence leaves you with more after-tax income.
Your gift of securities is valued as of the day the securities are transferred to our account, using the average of the high and the low prices for the securities for that day.
A gift of appreciated securities is best for you if:
- You hold stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares that have risen in value.
- You want to make an annual gift or a life-income gift, or perhaps both at the same time.
Please note! Don't sell your stock first. Even though you want the proceeds to benefit LSS/NCA, you will wind up paying capital gains taxes if you sell the stock. Avoid those taxes by simply transferring the stock to LSS/NCA.
We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about the best way to achieve your philanthropic goals. For more information about gifts of appreciated securities, please contact Summer Parrish, Director of Development, at ParrishS@lssnca.org or (202) 723-3000.
Bequests
Bequests can be the simplest vehicle for making a gift that will have an impact on LSS/NCA for generations to come. Bequests can include gifts of cash, securities, real estate or other property, or a portion of the residue of one's estate. You may also want to name LSS/NCA as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or a retirement fund.
Because bequests to LSS/NCA are entirely free of estate taxes, they may help you pass on more of your estate to your heirs than you otherwise might. Learn about more tax advantages (link).
You can choose how your bequest will be used. Learn about your choices and read sample language. (download)
Bequest Advantages: Federal Estate Tax Savings
A bequest to LSS/NCA from your estate is entirely free from federal estate taxes. This means that our organization will be able to use the entire amount you bequeath to it. It also reduces the portion of your estate that is subject to taxes, which can often mean larger gifts for your heirs.
Bequest Advantages: Other Advantages
Estate gifts allow you to make a commitment for the future of LSS/NCA without giving up any of your present assets. Such gifts can be kept private, and they can be changed over time.
All planned gifts over $35,000 allow you the opportunity to create an endowed or designated fund named for yourself or someone dear to you. Named funds become part of the legacy of LSS/NCA because they provide viable financial resources for the programs and services that help thousands of neighbors each year. Because they have great visibility, named funds have the added advantage of inspiring more gifts to LSS/NCA. Learn more information about other naming opportunities, such as the Board Room. Contact Summer Parrish, Director of Development, at ParrishS@lssnca.org or (202) 723-3000.
Life Insurance
Do you own paid-up life insurance that you no longer need? If so, you may have an asset that can be turned into an enduring gift to LSS/NCA. Your charitable gift deduction would be for the cash surrender value of the policy or the cost basis of the policy.
When you transfer your policy, you may choose to use it to fund a life-income gift like a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust. (to download)
Sandy T., Class of 1957, took out life insurance when her children were young. They are now self-supporting, so she no longer needs the policy. She would like some added income, however, so she turned the policy over to LSS/NCA. LSS/NCA cashed in the policy, and Sandy received a charitable gift deduction. Sandy asked LSS/NCA to use the money to fund a charitable gift annuity, which will provide her income for life. Eventually, her gift will be used to endow a scholarship fund at LSS/NCA.
A gift of life insurance is best for you if:
- You are holding paid-up life insurance that you no longer need
- You want to take a hidden asset and change it into an income-producing one
Real Estate
A gift of real estate may be an ideal way to help both you and LSS/NCA. These gifts can be made in three forms:
- an outright gift
- a bargain-sale gift, used to fund a remainder trust that would provide you and your beneficiaries with income for life
- retained life interest -- an option that would give the property to LSS/NCA, but allow you to live in it
LSS/NCA is delighted to consider gifts of residential, as well as commercial, real estate. Properties under consideration are reviewed by our management team to evaluate their marketability and their suitability as an asset for your intended gift.
Outright Gifts are the simplest real estate gifts because they provide you and LSS/NCA with the immediate advantages of the gift. You get a tax deduction for the appraised value of the property, and LSS/NCA becomes the owner (and likely immediate seller) of your property.
Bargain-Sale Gifts are actually part sale and part gift. You may wish to make a major contribution to LSS/NCA through a gift of real estate, but still receive some cash in the transaction.
Ruth and Arthur wanted to give their house to LSS/NCA, but needed $50,000 in cash for the entrance fee for their retirement home. By using the bargain-sale option, they received a cash payment of $50,000 from the LSS/NCA. They also received a major tax deduction for the rest of the value of their gift, and did not have to worry about all the complexities of selling their property.
Retained Life Interest is a gift of real estate to LSS/NCA that would allow you to stay in your home. You would receive a major tax deduction for your gift and would agree to maintain the property and pay taxes and insurance on it. Donors often find these agreements an ideal way to maintain their lifestyle and make a major gift to LSS/NCA.
A gift of real estate is best for you if:
- You have property you no longer need
- You are interested in a major tax deduction
Deciding which Type of Real Estate Gift Is Best for You
What are your goals? If you're looking for:
- a tax deduction only, then make an outright gift
- a tax deduction while continuing to live in your home, then make a gift of retained life interest
- a tax deduction and some cash, then make a bargain-sale gift
- a tax deduction and a steady income stream, then choose a unitrust
- a tax deduction, some cash, and a steady income stream, then choose a combination of a bargain-sale gift and a unitrust