Giving Wisely
Individuals and families from around the nation give generously to Bethany each month. Some have given regularly for many years. There are a number of ways to support Bethany’s mission and accomplish your own personal, financial goals in the process.
One Aspect to Consider Is Timing
A significant gift to Bethany Christian Services given right now allows us to assist more families immediately. If you are experiencing a year of high income, an outright gift to Bethany may help you take advantage of tax benefits.
Another way to give is through your estate and this, of course, happens after your death. While Bethany will not be able to use this gift right now, it is helpful for us to know that you have made this long-term commitment.
Estate gifts, often called “bequests,” come to Bethany through your Will or Trust. There are also creative ways to use life insurance, and you can name Bethany as a beneficiary of your retirement plan.
It is always beneficial to enlist the help of legal and financial planning professionals when completing your estate plan and including charitable beneficiaries.
What can you give?
- Cash
This is the most common form of a gift to charity. It allows you flexibility and may provide tax advantages.
- Appreciated Securities
You may be able to use stocks, bonds, or shares in mutual funds to make a gift to Bethany. Tax deductions are based on market value, and you may also realize significant savings in capital gains by transferring your appreciated securities to us.
- Real Estate
You can give land, a second home, or other types of property outright or as a means to fund a life income gift for yourself. Real estate gifts require special evaluation. Please contact us if you are considering a gift of property.
- A Retirement Account
Did you know that you can name Bethany as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement account? Current tax laws can be punitive if you leave your retirement assets to your heirs; perhaps taxed twice–once as income and also as an estate asset.
- Appreciated Assets
Collections of stamps, coins, or other valuable items may be great options to give, especially if you are at a point in your life where you no longer wish to maintain the collection. The IRS has specific requirements to meet before appreciated assets may be deducted. Contact us if you would like to discuss giving in this way.
- Business Interests
With your advisors and the assistance of estate planning professionals, we will review the possibility of receiving a gift related to your business partnership, an interest in a business, or other business assets.