Planned Giving

Giving to BEF through your will or living trust is often referred to as a “bequest.” A bequest from your estate may include cash, securities, real estate, and/or personal property.  It can be for a specific amount or for a percentage of your estate.

Giving through your retirement plan is an excellent option with added tax benefits.  The assets you designate will be eliminated from your taxable estate upon your death and your retirement assets pass free of income taxes.  This allows the foundation to receive the full value of your generous gift.

A charitable gift annuity is a philanthropic arrangement where an individual donates assets, typically cash or securities, to a charitable organization in exchange for a guaranteed income stream for themselves or someone else for a specified period.  The annuity payments are usually fixed and can be made for the lifetime of the annuitant(s) or for a predetermined term.  After the death of the annuitant(s) or the expiration of the term, the remaining assets in the annuity fund are retained by the charity to support its mission.  This arrangement allows individuals to support charitable causes they care about while also providing themselves or a loved one with a steady income stream.

Charitable Remainder Trusts:  A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a philanthropic financial tool where a donor transfers assets into a trust, providing income to the donor or other beneficiaries for a specified period or lifetime.  After this period, the remaining assets in the trust are donated to the charity.  The donor may receive tax benefits for the charitable contribution, and the trust offers flexibility in income payments, which can be either fixed or variable.

Charitable Lead Trusts:  A charitable lead trust (CLT) is a philanthropic arrangement where a donor transfers assets into a trust that pays a fixed or variable income to one or more charitable organizations for a specified period or lifetime.  After this period, the remaining assets in the trust are typically passed on to non-charitable beneficiaries, such as family members.  CLTs allow donors to support charities during their lifetime while potentially reducing estate taxes for their heirs.