There is the satisfaction of supporting an important cause, the excitement of seeing your gift lead to positive change, and – in many cases – tangible financial benefit to you and/or another beneficiary through tax advantages and life income. Each individual legacy contributes to our financial strength and ability to carry on our mission.
One of the most popular and easiest ways to make a planned gift to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is including us in your will or revocable trust. Bequests are a major source of endowment support at the Conservancy and can be structured in a number of ways. You can give almost any kind of asset through a bequest, including cash, securities, an interest in real estate, tangible personal property or retirement assets. A charitable bequest is deductible for federal estate tax purposes, and there is no limit on the amount of the estate tax charitable deduction your estate can take.
CRT’s involve the irrevocable transfer of property, including cash, stock and bonds, to a trust. In return, an income is paid, at least annually, to you and/or one or more beneficiaries, for life or for a term of years. The income payment is based either on a fixed percentage of fair market value of the property held in the trust each year, or on a fixed sum. The percentage will be set by the Donor and cannot be less than 5%. At the end of the designated time, the remainder passes to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. In addition to estate tax benefits, a CRT established during your lifetime provides an immediate income tax charitable deduction based on the beneficiary’s age and the percentage paid to the beneficiary
Lead trusts require the transfer of assets to a trust specifying the income to be paid to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for a term of years. At the end of the term, the remaining principal passes to an individual beneficiary, such as a child or grandchild. A lead trust is ideal if you wish to benefit the Conservancy, can temporarily relinquish access to assets now, but want your beneficiary to receive the assets later on.
Gifts of life insurance allow you to established a planned gift by transferring ownership of a new or existing policy to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The gift is valued at the cash surrender value of the policy. The amount of your annual premium is paid to the Conservancy for payment on the policy and is tax deductible.
Individuals can leave all or a portion of their retirement plan to benefit the Conservancy. You can continue to benefit from these plans during your lifetime as well as change beneficiaries. The designation can be accomplished by indicating the beneficiary designation attached to the plan or through your will or revocable trust
A gift annuity is an arrangement involving your gift of cash or securities in exchange for a guaranteed fixed income for the life of either one or two beneficiaries. At the death of the beneficiaries, the remainder is paid to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Gift annuities are ideal for individuals who wish to benefit the Conservancy but aren’t willing to part with assets that generate a needed income.
Almost any kind of real estate can be used to make a valuable gift to the Conservancy. You can also contribute your residence now and reside in it for the rest of your life. As with most gifts, no capital gains tax is due when the real estate is donated. You are entitled to an income tax deduction in the amount of the appreciated value and you avoid estate taxes on the appreciated asset. (The Conservancy will discuss your wishes and reserves the right to decline assets based on environmental concerns, marketability and other donor conditions.)
For gifts of securities to be transferred to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida or other gifts of personal property, contact Betsy Greenfield at 239.403.4211.