What is Creative Giving?

Typically refers to current giving in ways other than writing a check.

Common strategies include:

• Donating highly appreciated securities, such as stocks, mutual funds and ETF's; owned over one year. This approach will potentially provide the donor with increased income tax advantages, versus contributing by check.

• Contribution of all or a part of your regular IRA directly to a charitable organization. This is known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution. It is available to persons 70 1/2 or older and is typically used as a means of maximizing the donors income tax benefits.

What is Planned Giving? 

Generally refers to deferred charitable giving through your estate plan on death. The principal purpose is to allow you to continue supporting your preferred charities after your passing. Some strategies save income taxes and others do not.

Common strategies include:

• Charitable gift by bequest. A fixed amount or a percentage could be designated in your will or revocable trust. The same concept could be applied with TOD (Transfer On Death) designations on bank or investment accounts.
• A charity could be named as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy. The charity could be the primary or contingent beneficiary. The amount could be a fixed amount or a percentage of the death proceeds. 
• A charitable organization could be named as a beneficiary on your IRA, ROTH IRA, 401(k) or 403(b). Again, the charity could be a primary or contingent beneficiary. The amount could be a percentage or a fixed amount from the account.

There are a number of advanced planning techniques that might include gifting of a life insurance policy, artwork, collectibles, real estate, charitable gift annuities and other types of trusts. These are more complex and typically could be considered with larger type gifts.

Common Myths About Creative and Planned Giving Include:

• These discussions are only for old and wealthy donors.
• Planned giving is a permanent arrangement that cannot be changed.
• The strategies are difficult and expensive to implement.
• Donor's don't want to talk about end of life matters.

   

We are grateful to those who are interested in making a provision in their estate plans to support our mission.

If you are interested in either maximizing the tax benefit of your current charitable donations or continuing to support Aptiv after your passing, we'd love to have the opportunity to discuss your intentions. We will review your situation and help you overcome the myths. If necessary, we will collaborate with your tax, legal, investment or insurance professional. It all starts with a call to 608-785-3584 or email us at foundation@aptiv.org.