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The Torchbearers' Society
The members of the Torchbearers' Society have made a commitment to remembering the ACLU of Indiana Foundation as part of their financial and estate planning. The size of their gift does not determine their membership in the Torchbearers' Society. Their love of liberty does that.
We would like for you to consider joining the Torchbearers' Society. We know that as you consider whether to make the ACLU of Indiana Foundation part of your estate plans, you will have two overarching questions: How and why?
The "how" is not as complicated as you might think. There are five ways to make a planned gift to the ACLU of Indiana Foundation.
1) Wills and Living Trusts
By including the ACLU of Indiana Foundation in your will or living trust, you can provide important support for civil liberties while meeting your financial and estate planning goals. A bequest through your will or living trust allows you to make a gift to the ACLU of Indiana Foundation after you have taken care of loved ones. Bequests to the ACLU of Indiana Foundation can take many forms, and because a bequest qualifies for the estate tax charitable deduction, it may reduce your taxable estate.
2) Life Income Plans
A life income plan (gift annuity, pooled income fund, charitable remainder trust) may be perfect for you to make a current gift to the ACLU of Indiana Foundation while providing income for yourself and/or others. The ACLU of Indiana Foundation offers a number of life income plans, one of which may suit your particular personal and financial objectives.
While their details vary, these plans all offer the following benefits:
- Income paid to you and/or another beneficiary for life or a term of years;
- An immediate federal income tax charitable deduction;
- A potential increase in income from low-yield, highly appreciated securities, while reducing, and possibly avoiding, tax on the appreciation;
- A reduced taxable estate; and
- The satisfaction of helping to secure an intact Bill of Rights for future generations.
3) Beneficiary Designation
One of the easiest ways to make a legacy gift is to designate the ACLU of Indiana Foundation as a beneficiary of all or a portion of a retirement plan or insurance policy. There can be significant general tax benefits for making such a beneficiary tax designation.
4) Charitable Lead Trusts
A charitable lead trust pays the ACLU of Indiana Foundation an annual income for a specified number of years, after which the trust assets typically revert to children or grandchildren. This plan provides a uniquely advantageous way to pass on assets to heirs and significantly reduce estate taxes.
5) Outright Gifts
Making a current outright gift of cash, securities or real estate to the ACLU of Indiana Foundation may be the best way to fulfill your charitable and financial objectives. Many financial advisors encourage outright gifts to achieve this double tax benefit: You receive an income tax deduction for the full value of your gift and the donated asset is removed from your estate for estate tax purposes.
The "why" question also is relatively easy. If you are an ACLU of Indiana member, you already know that the task of defending freedom is eternal. When you make the ACLU of Indiana Foundation a part of your estate or financial planning, you leave a legacy of liberty and ensure that the work of defending freedom will go on.
Click Here to contact the Torchbearers' Society.
We would love to have you.
