Create a local legacy that will last forever.
With our deep community knowledge and nonprofit expertise, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne is the philanthropic center of our community. We’ll connect you to the organizations and people who are making a difference in the greater Fort Wayne area—so you can create a lasting legacy in the place where lifelong memories are made.
Knowing that you have unique financial scenarios and needs, we are here to help you with the giving options that best meet your needs. With our help, you can be sure your gift will meet your goals and make an impact.
Giving Options:
Cash gifts are the most common type of charitable gift because of their ease and simplicity. Cash may qualify for the maximum allowable income tax deductions. Donate now!
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. This allows you to avoid capital gains tax – something you would have to pay if you liquidated otherwise. Contact our Finance Team to make a stock transfer.
If you name the Community Foundation and your Donor Advised Fund as the sole beneficiary of a life insurance policy or transfer ownership, you will receive a tax deduction for the policy’s cash value. If you continue to make premium payments to keep the policy current, this may also qualify for a tax deduction. You can then name successor advisors to your fund to continue your family’s legacy.
Donating cryptocurrency is a non-taxable event, meaning you do not owe capital gains tax on the appreciated amount and can deduct it from your taxes. This makes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency donations one of the most tax-efficient ways to support your favorite cause.
While during your life, you may count on income from your retirement accounts. However, you can contribute those retirement plan assets to the Community Foundation as the beneficiary, to a fund of your choosing. This is extremely tax-efficient, as there is no estate or income tax attributed to your gifted assets. This allows 100% of your IRA assets to go to a charitable purpose and allows your estate to claim a charitable estate tax deduction.
While during your life, you may count on income from your retirement accounts. However, you can contribute those retirement plan assets to the Community Foundation as the beneficiary, to a fund of your choosing. This is extremely tax-efficient, as there is no estate or income tax attributed to your gifted assets. This allows 100% of your IRA assets to go to a charitable purpose and allows your estate to claim a charitable estate tax deduction.
Aside from their cost and liability, private foundations also have minimum payout distributions they must meet each year, or risk being taxed at 30% excise tax on the undistributed income. Private foundations can use their payout to donate to funds at the Community Foundation, which counts toward their 5% payout requirements.
Donating closely held stock of your business offers you a charitable deduction for the appraised fair market value and the ability to avoid capital gains tax. The Community Foundation works with a professional third-party entity to ensure fair appraisal and holdings of your securities. Contact our Impact Team to transfer closely held assets.
Immediately after making a gift of a home, farmland, buildings, or other property, donors may receive the maximum tax deduction permitted by law and avoid capital gains tax in the process. Transferring property to the Community Foundation prevents loss of value that would occur due to taxes if the donor first sold the asset, and then donated the after-tax income from the sale. You can use the property as an estate gift to continue your legacy long into the future.
A bequest of cash, securities, or property can significantly reduce the taxes otherwise payable by your estate, and support your community at the same time. You can name the Community Foundation to receive all or a portion of your estate through your will, and you donate a specific dollar amount, property, or percentage of your estate.
A charitable remainder trust creates flexible options in estate planning. Trusts offer gifts without the loss of income and provide a current income tax deduction for a future gift. While the Community Foundation does not establish trusts or act as trustees, it can be a beneficiary of a trust. By making the Community Foundation the beneficiary, you can set up a fund that will continue to honor your philanthropic wishes for maximum impact in perpetuity.
A gift of a remainder interest in a personal residence allows you to continue to occupy the residence without disruption. You get an income tax charitable deduction for the present value of the remainder interest.