A charitable bequest is one of the easiest and most flexible ways that you can leave a gift to Coast Guard Foundation that will make a lasting impact. With the help of an attorney, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to be made to family, friends or Coast Guard Foundation as part of your estate plan, or you can make a bequest using a beneficiary designation form. Benefits of a bequest include:

• Receive an estate tax charitable deduction
• Reduce the burden of taxes on your family
• Leave a lasting legacy to charity

A bequest may be made in several ways:

• Percentage bequest - make a gift of a percentage of your estate
• Specific bequest - make a gift of a specific dollar amount or a specific asset
• Residual bequest - make a gift from the balance or residue of your estate

Click here to review sample bequest language.

You may be looking for a way to make a big difference to help further our mission. If you are 70½ or older you may also be interested in a way to lower the income and taxes from your IRA withdrawals. An IRA charitable rollover is a way you can help continue our work and benefit this year. Benefits of an IRA Charitable Rollover Include:

• Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 from your IRA to our organization
• Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year
• Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions
• Make a gift that is not subject to the 50% deduction limits on charitable gifts
• Help further the work and mission of our organization

A beneficiary designation gift is a simple and affordable way to make a gift to support Coast Guard Foundation. You can designate us as a beneficiary of a retirement, investment or bank account or your life insurance policy. Benefits of a beneficiary designation gift include:

• Support the causes that you care about
• Continue to use your account as long as you need to
• Simplify your planning and avoid expensive legal fees
• Reduce the burden of taxes on your family
• Receive an estate tax charitable deduction

If you are interested in making a gift but are also concerned about your future needs, keep in mind that beneficiary designation gifts are among the most flexible of all charitable gifts. Even after you complete the beneficiary designation form, you can take distributions or withdrawals from your retirement, investment or bank account and continue to freely use your account. You can also change your mind at any time in the future for any reason, including if you have a loved one who needs your financial help.