Contributions
and bequests
Many members and friends of the Society
have expressed interest in providing additional financial
support so that the Society can continue to fulfill its mission
for generations to come. The Society is a tax exempt organization
under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code Section
501(c)(3), so contributions are tax deductible.
Employer matching contributions
A number of employers provide matching
grants to multiply the benefit of their employees' contributions
to qualifying organizations. Some also match contributions
by retirees and spouses of employees as well.
Check with the personnel office of your
employer to see if they have such a program in place. If
they do, obtain a matching gift form, complete it and send
it with your contribution to the Society of Indiana
Pioneers, 140 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
46204. We will do the rest. Matching gifts by these
participating companies often double or even triple the impact
of an individual’s contribution.
Ways of contributing
1. Contributions of cash
Giving cash is the most popular way of
gifting due to its simplicity. Cash gifts may be made by
currency, check, money order, or bank draft.
2. Gifts of marketable securities
Gifts of marketable securities, or stock
listed on an exchange, can be an advantageous way to make
a substantial contribution to support the Society of Indiana
Pioneers. There is no taxation on the gain of appreciated
stock given directly to the Society. The fair market value
on the date of the stock gift is deductible for income tax
purposes.
Gifts of closely held stock, or securities
not traded on an exchange, may also be accepted. However,
such gifts should be discussed with a representative of the
Society prior to the time the gift is made.
3. Gifts of Real Estate
Gifts of real estate offer great flexibility
in financial planning. All proposed gifts of real estate
are reviewed by the Society and its Board of Governors before
the gift is accepted.
An outright gift of appreciated land or
other real estate has several immediate benefits for the
donor: there is no taxation on the appreciation of the real
property; an income tax deduction is available for 100 percent
of the fair market value of the property as of the gift date;
and your taxable estate is reduced by the value of the gift.
4. Gifts of Personal Property
Gifts of personal property require an independent
appraisal of the fair market value before the gift is made.
Restrictions by the donor regarding the sale, maintenance,
administration, and display of such gifts are possible, but
subject to review and approval by the Society of Indiana
Pioneers Board of Governors.
5. Bequests
A bequest through a will or trust is the
most common form of planned gift. A bequest allows you to
make a substantial contribution to support the Society without
diminishing the assets available to you during your lifetime.
Because a bequest to the Society of Indiana Pioneers is tax
deductible for federal estate tax purposes, important estate
tax savings can result, and your federal estate tax burden
may be reduced or eliminated.
6. Life Insurance
Gifts of life insurance can offer an attractive
way to benefit the Society at a relatively low cost; gifts
of new or existing policies may also provide tax benefits.
A gift of life insurance may be especially attractive for
younger persons due to the lower premium expense. For others,
the reason for having a policy in place may no longer apply.
For example, the children may be grown, there may be no mortgage
remaining on the family home, or a spouse may have other
assets for support. In these situations, donating an existing
policy may be a wonderful way to support the Society of Indiana
Pioneers. |