Planned giving is a thoughtful and strategic way for individuals to support charitable organizations by arranging donations as part of their long-term financial or estate planning. This type of giving can include bequests, trusts, life insurance, or retirement assets, and it allows donors to make a lasting impact while often receiving significant financial and tax benefits. For donors, planned giving can provide income during their lifetime, reduce capital gains and estate taxes, and ensure that their philanthropic legacy continues beyond their lifetime.
Utilize Your Retirement Plan
- Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA: A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) at the end of the year is a strategic way for individuals aged 70½ or older to donate to a non-profit directly from their IRA while potentially reducing their taxable income. By making your QCD before December 31, you can satisfy part or all your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year without the distribution being counted as taxable income. To count for the current tax year, the funds must leave your IRA and be received by CASA of NH by December 31.
- While you cannot make a direct QCD from a 401(k), you can rollover funds into an IRA, then make the distribution to CASA from there.
- You may also name CASA of NH as a beneficiary of your life insurance, IRA, 401(k) or other retirement plans.
Give Through a Donor Advised Fund
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle that allows individuals to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from the fund over time to their favorite nonprofits. One of the key benefits of giving through a DAF is flexibility—donors can contribute assets such as cash, stocks, or other investments, grow those assets tax-free within the fund, and support causes at their own pace. DAFs also simplify recordkeeping and administration, consolidating giving into one account with a single tax receipt. Additionally, DAFs can be a strategic tool for maximizing impact, allowing donors to give during high-income years for tax advantages while distributing funds thoughtfully over time.
Gifts of Stock or Other Appreciated Assets
Charitable giving of stocks or other appreciated assets is a tax-efficient way to support nonprofit organizations. When donors give appreciated securities directly to a charity, they can avoid paying capital gains taxes on the increase in value and still receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the asset. This allows donors to make a larger impact at a lower after-tax cost compared to selling the asset and donating the proceeds.
Include CASA In Your Estate Plan
Please consider making a deeply impactful and lasting investment in New Hampshire’s children by including CASA in your will or trust. Your legacy gift will help break the cycle of abuse and trauma by providing children with safe and stable futures. We encourage you to contact your personal estate planner to discuss the most advantageous options for you.
- Specific Bequest: A specific bequest names a particular dollar amount to be left to CASA of NH.“I give and bequeath to CASA of NH, a New Hampshire nonprofit corporation, Tax ID number 02-0432242, with offices at 138 Coolidge Avenue, Manchester, NH 03102, the sum of $ ___________ to be used for the general purposes of the organization (or to be used for a specific purpose such as support for youth or alpine activities).”
- Percentage Bequest: A percentage bequest names a percentage of your estate to be left to CASA of NH.“I give and bequeath to CASA of NH, a New Hampshire nonprofit corporation, Tax ID number 02-0432242, with offices at 138 Coolidge Avenue, Manchester, NH 03102, ________% of my estate, to be used for the general purposes of the organization (or to be used for a specific purpose such as support for youth or alpine activities).”
- Residuary Bequest: A residuary bequest first leaves specific amounts to family members, friends, or other charities, and then designates that all or part of what remains should go to CASA of NH.“I give and bequeath to CASA of NH, a New Hampshire nonprofit corporation, Tax ID number 02-0432242, with offices at 138 Coolidge Avenue, Manchester, NH 03102, all (or stated percentage of) the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to be used for the general purposes of the organization (or to be used for a specific purpose).”
- Contingent Bequest: A contingent bequest names CASA of NH to receive part or all of your estate in the event your designated beneficiary or beneficiaries predecease you.You might insert in your will language such as the following:
“If any beneficiary named in this will is not living at my decease, then I give and bequeath to CASA of NH, a New Hampshire nonprofit corporation, Tax ID number 02-0432242, with offices at 138 Coolidge Avenue, Manchester, NH 03102, any bequest which said beneficiary would have received if he or she had survived me.”
John Zahr Memorial Endowment Fund
In the summer of 2010, the greater Manchester community lost one of its leading and most distinguished members. John Zahr, President and CEO of Harvey Construction, was an outstanding leader, and gave unselfishly of his time and talent to both his industry and to the community at large. John’s legacy lives on through this endowment fund to support the general operations of CASA of NH. The endowment principle will be permanently invested with only the income from the endowment used for operating purposes.
If you have any questions, please email Stacy Lopes, Development Director or call her at (800) 626-0622.
Please consult your tax, financial or legal adviser concerning any gift arrangements you are considering.*
