2016 Charitable Giving Plans Should Begin Now

Chris Askin, CSPG, CFRE
President and CEO[/caption] I have found that many gifts are initiated by conversations that take place during the summer and come to fruition later in the year. Two days ago I met with a delightful couple who wish to set up a relatively complex split interest gift arrangement (Charitable Remainder Trust) using an unusual asset. They want to have this gift completed before year-end.  The couple is smart to begin the conversation now because complicated charitable gifts like these can take time.  Typically arrangements include conversations, drafting of documents, review by donors and professional advisors, and transfers. It takes time.  Now is not too early to explore gifts you wish to make this year and, in the case of sophisticated gifts, now is precisely the time to get started.

Record stock market values motivate charitable gifts.

We see increased donations during periods of record stock market values bydonors who make gifts using appreciated assets.  Many donors make these gifts at year-end, but now may be the time to make those gifts to lock the gains into your charitable contribution.  If you have a fund at the Community Foundation or are considering establishing one, I encourage you to review your portfolio and speak with your investment advisor about holdings that may be good candidates for gifting.  The Community Foundation immediately liquidates such gifts to ensure that the proceeds of the gift capture the value of the gift made at the time of the transfer.

You can use a charitable gift to generate income.

Community Foundation donors have combined the opportunity of market highs with the establishment of split interest gifts, such as charitable gift annuities and remainder trusts, to fund an income stream for themselves and even family members.  These are excellent techniques to build an income stream from an appreciated asset and benefit charity through charitable distributions or endowments funded once the income stream commitment is completed.

Planned Gifts Calculator

Have you seen the easy-to-use software that you can access on our Community Foundation website, nevadafund.org?  If you prefer, I am delighted to explore the concept and provide printed illustrations that show the personal and charitable benefit of your gift ideas. To learn more information about the Community Foundation and our work in the community, or e to join us in our work, please give me a call. Chris Askin, President, and CEO 775-762-1932 Connecting people who care with causes that matter