There are as many ways of making a gift as there are reasons for giving. Depending on what you give, there are different advantages as well. For significant gifts, there may be tax, financial and estate planning considerations for you to weigh carefully.
We always recommend that you discuss these considerations with your financial and legal advisors. Please feel free to contact us, in complete confidence and without obligation, for additional information for you and for your advisors.
Cash, by check or credit card, is the most usual way of making a gift. Your gift will qualify for a charitable income tax deduction. You may mail a check, make a pledge or use your credit card. Please make your check payable to Riverbend Community Mental Health, Inc. or RCMH or use our secure online giving service.
Stocks, bonds and mutual funds which have grown in value since first purchased or acquired are a popular asset to donate. Your charitable income tax deduction is based on the full fair market value of the asset at the time of gift, and you avoid paying capital gains tax on any growth in value. More information on how to make a gift using appreciated securities.
IRAs, Roth IRAs, and other tax-deferred Retirement Plan assets are often used to make outright gifts or are gifted by bequest. Most retirement plan assets increase in value during your lifetime and grow tax-free. As a result, income and/or estate tax must be paid on the income withdrawn by your beneficiaries after your death. The taxation of these assets makes them a highly recommended asset for gifting. It is also easy to change the beneficiary for some or all of one of these assets by contacting your plan administrator for the proper form.
Life Insurance Policies, especially paid-up policies, are another way to make a gift. You may simply designate Riverbend as the beneficiary of some or all of the proceeds of the policy or you may transfer ownership of the policy during your life time to take advantage of tax savings. The advantages depend on your situation and the type of policy you intend to use for gift purposes.
Real estate is a flexible asset to use. You can make an outright gift or use real estate to create a charitable trust, which is a popular way to increase income and avoid capital gains tax. You can use residential, commercial or undeveloped real estate to advantage. You can even allow for the continued use of your home during your lifetime, while receiving immediate tax benefits.
Making a gift and keeping an income for life through a charitable gift annuity or charitable trust provides an immediate income tax deduction and dependable source of income for the rest of your life. You may fund such a gift with cash, securities or real estate (and other assets are sometimes used as well).
For gifts large and small, making a tribute gift in memory of a loved one, celebrating a special occasion or expressing your appreciation to someone is easily done, but not easily forgotten. Please use our secure online form or call us with your information.
Matching Gifts by your employer provide a way for you to increase your gift. Many companies encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations and match charitable contributions to qualifying organizations. Your Human Resource Department will know if health and social service agencies like Riverbend qualify. They will provide you with the company form you send in with your contribution.
Making a legacy gift through your will or estate plan is another way to make a gift, after first ensuring that your obligations are met. A bequest or other legacy gift provides you with a way to support Riverbend and can save estate taxes. You may also want to voluntarily enroll in the Riverbend Legacy Society with its special recognition and benefits.
Giving
Beth Sweet was savvy, smart and successful. She also suffered from severe depression. The Fund that bears her name was created in her memory by her family in 2003.
