OUR INVITATION

Ways to Give

Donors can choose to give in one or more of the following ways. The following section provides some detail on the major gift types:

Cash

Cash assets are the simplest and most convenient gift.

Securities

You pay no capital gains, and receive the maximum allowable tax deduction under the law, for the full market value of appreciated securities given to the Foundation.

Real estate

A gift of real estate held for more than one year by the owner can yield the same tax advantages as gifts of securities. The Foundation's ability to accept real estate gifts depends upon a number of factors, including current market conditions and the value and condition of the property.

Transfer of assets of a private foundation

The expense and time of administering a private foundation can become an unwanted burden. Transferring the assets of a private foundation to a donor-advised fund at the Whatcom Community Foundation provides significant tax and administrative benefits.

Bequests

A bequest in your will, naming the Foundation as a beneficiary, is another ideal way to create a fund. Estate taxes may be significantly reduced, and the fund will continue to work as a living symbol of your interests. Donors making a bequest to the Foundation become members of the Foundation's Madrona Society.

Life insurance

If the protection of a life insurance policy is no longer needed, it may prove a practical, tax-deductible gift. Or you may retain ownership of a policy naming the Foundation as a beneficiary, resulting in an estate-tax reduction but no deduction for income tax purposes.

IRA or qualified retirement plans

You can name the Foundation as the beneficiary of an IRA or qualified retirement plan. Depending upon accumulations, retirement plan assets can be subject to multiple taxation if left to heirs. A gift of retirement plan assets can even be used to establish a charitable remainder trust to provide income to a spouse or family members.