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Charitable Gift Planning

Planned giving is an organized and strategic approach to giving that evaluates the donor’s personal values, selects charitable organizations and gift-giving vehicles that best reflect those values, and maximizes the financial and tax benefits of the gifts. There are several important reasons why you should not delay documenting your intentions concerning charitable giving, including:

    • Health – Charitable gift planning involves time and careful consideration. To create or update a will or trust bequest requires sound mental health. Applying for a life insurance contract to create an insurance gift or to replace assets given to a charity for your heirs requires insurable physical health. The longer you postpone the charitable gift planning process the greater is your risk of becoming incapable of using some very desirable options.
    • Death – No one can escape it. You can wait too long to pursue your charitable giving desires. Charitable giving after your death usually will not be accomplished by your heirs if you have not clearly communicated your intentions while living.
    • Tax law changes – The laws today may change tomorrow. Desirable charitable giving options available today may seemingly disappear overnight. The old saying, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today,” can be very true as it applies to charitable gift planning.

To help you begin your look into charitable giving, first examine your entire financial picture. The extent of your net worth, and the impact you can have on charities and your family, may be much greater than you think. That’s why it’s important to work with your attorney, tax adviser and/or financial advisor as they become part of your team in establishing a charitable giving plan. We will help you determine what giving vehicles are best for you.

“I am dependent on the professionalism and skill sets that Gary provides, so I can use my expertise to run my business.”-Eugene Coyle

Philanthropy is most rewarding for you and for those to whom you give when practiced effectively. Exploring areas with your estate planning attorney will ensure that your charitable giving meets not only your philanthropic goals, but is integrated with your financial and personal goals as well.

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