Legacy Giving Opportunities
Your gift, and the lives it will impact, can be your legacy.
Bequests* – Made through your will or trust, you can donate cash, stocks, bonds, and property. The Museum can also be named as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or retirement plan. You may leave a specified dollar amount, items, a percentage of your estate or you can make a residuary gift (the amount remaining after taxes, expenses and other specific bequests are made). You can also make a contingent bequest, permitting you to leave all or a portion of your estate to the High Desert Museum if your named beneficiary(ies) do not survive you.
Charitable Distributions from IRAs – Are you 70 ½ or older? Did you know that you can make an annual charitable distribution of up to $100,000 through a direct transfer from your individual retirement account (IRA) and that your spouse (if you are married) may be eligible to make an equivalent gift? Because required minimum distributions from IRAs must be included in your adjusted gross income, by making such a gift you can avoid increases in income tax. The entirety of your donation will benefit the Museum’s mission.
Donor Advised Fund (DAF) – If you have a Donor Advised Fund, you can name the High Desert Museum as a beneficiary when the advising period is complete.
Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA)** – In exchange for a minimum gift of cash or securities valued at $25,000, you will receive fixed payments for life to either one or two beneficiaries (the amount is based on age). After your lifetime, the remaining funds can provide unrestricted or directed support to the Museum. You receive an immediate income tax deduction, part of each annuity payment is tax-free, capital gains taxes can be reduced and you can create estate tax savings.
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)** – For a contribution of at least $100,000 funded with cash, securities or real estate provide annual income for a period of years paying a fixed dollar amount (annuity) or a fixed percentage (unitrust) to you and/or other beneficiaries. When the trust terminates, the assets can provide unrestricted or designated support of the Museum. It may be particularly beneficial to donate highly appreciated securities, as capital gains taxes can be avoided and you can receive an income tax deduction for part of the value of the assets.
Securities or Real Estate – Transfer the ownership of an asset directly to the High Desert Museum and receive a tax deduction for the asset’s full value. Some restrictions may apply so please inquire for more information.
*Sample language: I give, devise and bequeath the High Desert Museum, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization as determined by the IRS (Tax ID # – 51-0179336) all [or state the fraction or percentage] of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal to fulfill its mission.
**The High Desert Museum does not administer CGAs or CRTs, however we can work with the Oregon Community Foundation to establish such gifts to grow our endowment.