We offer a wide range of giving options, all specially designed to help maximize your impact. Within these options, you’ll find opportunities to give using a range of assets, from cash, to life insurance, to stock. Whatever you choose, we’ll be right by your side every step of the way, ensuring that your dollars make the biggest possible impact—so the people and places of Allen County can thrive for generations to come.
Ways to Give
Fund your passions.
Any of the gifting vehicles listed below can be used to establish or add to a named charitable fund. Since we are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a public charity, donors are provided with the maximum tax benefits allowed by law. Once your fund is established, you can add to it at any time and in any dollar amount.
If you have questions about becoming a donor that have not been answered in this section, or you would like to set up a time to meet with us and discuss giving opportunities, please contact us for more information.
Donate to an existing fund or establish a new fund (minimum amounts required) by contributing assets including:
A gift of cash is the easiest way to contribute and may qualify for maximum allowable income tax deductions.
If marketable or closely-held securities are highly appreciated, they may be given so the donor can deduct the full fair market value as a charitable contribution and thus avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation. The donated assets must be held more than a year prior to the donation in order to deduct the fair market value, rather than the basis.
A bequest of cash, securities or real property can significantly reduce the taxes otherwise payable by your estate. Your heirs benefit and the fund continues your good work in your name permanently, a living symbol of your care and concern for others.
Administering a private foundation under IRS rules can be burdensome and expensive. The Community Foundation provides professional and cost-effective ways of administering these funds well into the future and at the same time, fulfill your charitable desires.
A donor can contribute retirement plan assets [401(k), Keogh, 403(b)] to the Community Foundation for purposes the donor has specified. Also, retirement assets combined with charitable remainder trusts and life insurance trusts can be a valuable way of maximizing benefits from retirement plans. At death, retirement plan or IRA balances are included when figuring estate and income taxes to your beneficiaries – often up to 85%. Funding a charitable bequest with an IRA or retirement plan prevents the bequest from becoming a liability of your estate, and the gift is made with pre-tax dollars.
The Community Foundation offers competitive rates to residents of the state of Indiana who give current gifts but retain a lifetime income. A portion of these gifts may be tax-deductible and income is guaranteed. For a detailed profile that fits your situation, contact Alison Gerardot.
Immediately after making a gift of real estate, donors may receive the maximum tax deduction permitted by law and may avoid the capital gains tax in the process. Transferring property to the Community Foundation prevents a loss of value that would occur due to taxes if the donor first sold the asset, and then donated the after-tax net income from the sale.
A charitable remainder trust offers a gift to the Community Foundation without the loss of income and provides a current income tax deduction for a future gift. The value of the gift is based on current market value without triggering a taxable capital gain. A CRT offers income at a desirable percentage without regard to current investment returns. While the Community Foundation does not establish this kind of trust or act as a trustee, it can be the beneficiary of a CRT. By making the Community Foundation the beneficiary, the donor can be assured that their gift will be used for the donor’s intent for as long as the donor wishes. And the donor can make the choice of how the charitable remainder trust will be divided to make his/her philanthropic wishes come true.
By naming the Community Foundation as owner and beneficiary of a paid-up life insurance policy which the donor no longer needs, the donor may receive a number of tax benefits, including estate and income taxes, and benefit the community in which the donor lives or works.
"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett
Fast Facts
Fast facts: Vision, Mission, Leadership, Assets, Grantmaking, Gifts and more! Check out all the fast facts that you need to know about the Community Foundation.
Why Give?
You come to the Community Foundation with a unique vision and passionate reason for giving. Our passion is to make your charitable goals a reality.
Leadership Initiatives
We’re investing in community leadership initiatives that create a better future and make our community a better place to live, work, and play – now and forever.