Bequests are gifts made as a provision of your Will or Trust. We can provide language that you can include in the documents you prepare in the course of your estate planning efforts.

Planned gifts are gift arrangements that have specific tax advantages and often include lifetime income to the donor or to one or more beneficiaries named by the donor.

A planned gift or bequest can maximize your giving potential and even allow you to ensure your future financial security or that of a loved one at the same time that you make a donation to St. Joseph Center.

Planned gifts typically are funded either by cash or some kind of appreciated asset such as stock or real estate. Gifts of appreciated assets typically are able to maximize both one’s charitable deduction as well as one’s tax benefits. Common examples of planned gifts include:

• Charitable Gift Annuity— A gift annuity is a contract between the donor and St. Joseph Center that provides advantages to both. The donor makes a gift and receives a guaranteed payment for life along with a charitable income tax deduction. The payout rate is based on the age of the donor at the time the gift is made. Charitable gift annuities may be funded with cash or securities. Payouts may be made annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly.
• Deferred Gift Annuity—A deferred gift annuity operates like an IRA and is similar to a charitable gift annuity, except that the payments are deferred to a future date. In addition, the donor obtains a substantial charitable income tax deduction in the year the gift is made. A deferred gift annuity is an excellent way for younger to middle-aged donors to make a gift and receive a charitable income tax deduction now, while providing income for the future.
• Charitable Remainder Trusts—For gifts in excess of $100,000, this is a personalized life income gift that provides a donor with a lifetime income and a charitable income tax deduction. The donor selects the payout rate, usually between 5 and 8 percent, providing the donor and the donor's spouse with an income every year for life. The higher the payout rate, the lower the charitable income tax deduction. If the donor funds the trust with appreciated securities, capital gains taxes can be avoided.

For more information or for sample language to include in your estate planning, please contact the Director of Community and Donor Relations at 310-396-6468 ext. 335. St. Joseph Center also reccomend that you consult your CPA, lawyer, or an estate planning professional for more information about Bequests and Planned gifts.