We are here to provide personal assistance. If you would like to learn more about charitable gifts or estate planning, please contact United Way's Executive Director at 541-962-0306.

A bequest is a gift made by naming United Way of Eastern Oregon as a beneficiary in one's will. Such a gift can take the form of a specific amount, a percentage of the estate assets, or the residue of the estate (that portion of the estate assets that remains after all debts, expenses, gifts, etc. have been satisfied).

Examples
  To endow an annual pledge of: $1,000        Please consider a gift of: $25,000.
  To endow an annual pledge of: $5,000        Please consider a gift of: $125,000.
 

With a charitable remainder trust, a donor transfers assets to a trust for a certain number of years, during which a named non-charitable beneficiary(ies) receives the trust income. At the end of the income period, the funds that remain in the trust are distributed to United Way.

The creation of a charitable remainder trust is a way to accomplish a number of charitable and financial goals. Briefly, such a trust allows for diversification of a portfolio without the payment of capital gains taxes on the sale of the appreciated assets, eligibility for an income tax charitable deduction, and an income stream for a period of years or for life.

Charitable remainder trusts may be created during life or at death. If created at death, the donor's estate receives an estate tax charitable deduction for the present value of the gift, and a named income beneficiary(ies) may receive income for a period of years or for life. Although there are gift taxes on the value of the income interest of the beneficiary(ies), remainder trusts funded with IRA assets, funds remaining in a commercial annuity, or government savings bonds often make tax efficient gifts which may otherwise be taxable both in the estate and to the beneficiary(ies) named to receive the assets.

With a charitable lead trust, a donor transfers assets to a trust for a fixed number of years, during which time United Way of Eastern Oregon is the beneficiary of the trust income. At the end of the term of years, the remainder of the trust assets is distributed to a non-charitable beneficiary(ies), usually children or grandchildren. A charitable lead trust can be created during life or at death, and can provide significant gift and estate tax benefits.

A donor can endow a gift by designating United Way of Eastern Oregon as the beneficiary of all or a portion of a life insurance policy, an IRA, or other qualified retirement plan. There is no immediate tax savings; however, the donor's estate is offset by a charitable estate tax deduction for the value of the gift. Also, during the donor's lifetime, the asset remains available should it be needed.

A Gift to United Way of non-cash property, such as real estate, stock options, or collectibles, can result in substantial income or estate tax savings. A gift of this sort can be made during life, or at death through a bequest in a will.

The information provided on this web site is general in nature and is not intended to serve as tax or legal advice to the public.