For many, an outright contribution of cash or appreciated property is the easiest and most convenient way to support A Future Brighter than any Past. Others may see the opportunity to make a deferred gift as the best way to make the greatest impact. The following is a sampling of the types of donation that can be made to the campaign. All gifts to A Future Brighter than any Past are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Please consult with your tax advisor to discuss tax advantages available for your personal situation.

Gifts of Cash
Cash gifts are the most common form of giving, and are as easy as writing a check or completing a pledge form indicating your intent to pay a certain amount over a period of time.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities
If you have marketable securities that have grown substantially in value, the tax laws make it possible for you to make an important gift at a remarkably low after-tax cost. A gift of appreciated securities generally qualifies not only for the income tax deduction, but it also avoids the long-term capital gains tax on your paper profit. Please call the campaign office at 202-269-2504 for stock or mutual fund transfer instruction forms.

Charitable Gift Annuities
You can make a gift for our future benefit and receive fixed lifetime annuity payments for yourself or for any two income beneficiaries, 55 years or older. A variety of tax and financial benefits are available. Please call the campaign office at 202-269-2504 for rates and limitations.

Charitable Remainder Unitrusts
A unitrust is an arrangement in which you irrevocably place money or property with a trustee, with instructions to pay someone (probably yourself or a family member) income, generally for life. Generally, the income will be a set percentage of the trust's value, which may change from year to year. When the person receiving the income dies, the property remaining (the "remainder") can pass to the campaign.

Charitable Lead Trusts
It's possible to contribute only the income from securities or other property temporarily and enjoy substantial income tax or gift and estate tax benefits. You transfer income-producing property to a trust for a number of years, and later the property goes to family members or other beneficiaries. Trust income is paid to A Future Brighter than any Past while the trust is in force.

Bequests
The most familiar type of bequest is the Specific Bequest, which specifies that A Future Brighter than any Past will receive a designated sum. Please contact the campaign office at 202-269-2504 for sample bequest language and instructions.

Gifts of Real Estate
The tax benefits available for gifts of appreciated real estate are virtually identical to those for gifts of appreciated securities. First, you avoid capital gains tax on your profit. Second, you receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property you contribute. Gifts of appreciated real property such as undeveloped land, farms or personal residences may be transferred by deed with no liability for income or estate taxes on the appreciation.

Gifts of Homes
If you own your home or farm -- or even a vacation home -- you may be able to make a gift of the property, obtain an immediate income tax deduction and still continue to use the property for as long as you wish.

These are just a few examples of the methods of giving for the campaign. Please call the campaign office at 202-269-2504 to discuss a particular type of gift that may not appear on this sheet.
 

Sample levels of support