Many Cascade Connections supporters want to ensure their commitment to Cascade Connections carries on after they are gone, so we can continue to offer vital programs for people in Whatcom County with disabilities and their families. Often, financial arrangements that assist Cascade Connections in helping those in need include direct benefits to the donor, such as charitable tax deductions and stable income sources. In fact, well-planned charitable giving vehicles can significantly enhance your ability to meet financial and estate objectives for your family. Some key tax considerations which may help you increase the amount of your gifts are described below.
- Bequests and retirement plans
- Charitable remainder trust
- Charitable lead trust
- Life insurance
- Charitable gift annuity
Bequests and Retirement Plans
Leave your legacy by making a gift in your will to Cascade Connections. A bequest is one of the simplest ways to remember those you care about most. A provision allows you to make a substantial contribution without diminishing the assets available to you during your life. Since bequests are deductible from your taxable estate, significant estate tax savings are possible. Naming Cascade Connections as a beneficiary of your retirement plan also avoids income tax when we receive the distribution from the plan.
Let Us Know
We hope you’ll tell us when you have named Cascade Connections in your will. We would very much like the opportunity to thank you for your generosity.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, your gift will be kept completely confidential. But at the same time, recognition of your gift can encourage others to do the same. Whatever the case, we will honor your wishes, because we appreciate your support immensely. And, if you have any other specific requests for a bequest, please contact our Planned Giving Department at 360-714-9355 X 109 for assistance.
Our Federal Tax I.D. number is: 91-1017868
Sample Bequest Language
The official bequest language for Cascade Connections is: “I hereby give to Cascade Connections, a Washington state nonprofit corporation with its principal place of business at Ferndale, Washington: The sum of $________ OR The following described property ________ OR _____ percent of my estate.”
The following items are special considerations when you plan a charitable bequest to help support the mission of Cascade Connections.
Unrestricted bequest: This is a gift for our general purposes, to be used at the discretion of our board of directors. A gift like this—without conditions attached—is frequently the most useful, as it allows us to determine the wisest and most pressing need for the funds at the time of receipt.
Restricted bequest: This type of gift allows you to specify how the funds are to be used. Perhaps you have a special purpose or project in mind. If so, it’s best to consult us when you make your will to be certain your intent can be carried out.
Tribute or memorial bequest: This is a gift given “in honor of” or “in memory of” someone. We would be pleased to honor your request and grant appropriate recognition.
Charitable Remainder Trusts: You can use an irrevocable trust to provide yourself and/or a loved one with a fixed annual income or an income which varies with the value of the trust. Part of your gift qualifies for an income tax deduction, as calculated with IRS tables. At the death of the last income beneficiary, the remaining principal in the trust is distributed to Cascade Connections.
Charitable Lead Trust: If your goal is to provide an inheritance for your children, but you would also like to make a significant charitable gift through your estate, you can support our organization for a term of years or for the life of an individual by creating a charitable lead trust. Income will be paid to Cascade Connections during the term of the trust. When the trust terminates, the assets in the trust revert to you or to individuals you wish to benefit.
Life Insurance: Perhaps you would like to make a sizable contribution to us now to help meet our current needs, but you don’t want to reduce the estate you will pass to your family. Consider purchasing life insurance. When you give a life insurance policy to us by naming Cascade Connections as the owner and beneficiary, the annual premiums paid would be a charitable income tax deduction and would determine the annual giving level recognition. Donors may also consider transferring ownership of existing policies to Cascade Connections. Depending on your age, health and tax bracket, the income tax savings from your charitable gift may be enough to cover the premium cost.
Charitable Gift Annuity: If you would like to support Cascade Connections but current income is a consideration, through a charitable gift annuity, you can contract for a fixed payment for the rest of your life and make a gift to Cascade Connections. A gift annuity is a simple, contractual agreement between an individual donor and Cascade Connections in which the donor transfer assets to us in exchange for our promise to pay one or two annuitants payments for life. A gift annuity may be funded by: a gift of cash, certificate of deposit (CD), or securities. A portion of this income is not taxed, and you also receive a charitable deduction for part of your gift as calculated with IRS tables.