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Building A Legacy

You can help build a better, stronger Valley.

Would you like to make a difference? What causes do you support? What legacy will you leave? Why not now? Why not forever?

A plan is defined as a set of actions that have been thought of as a way to do or achieve something that a person intends to do. A “giving plan” is specifically what you want your assets to achieve when you give them away during your lifetime or upon your death. An effective giving plan will minimize the taxes that are imposed as a result of your assets being transferred to others. The giving plan you put into place now can create enduring benefits for the people and causes that matter most to you.

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We will help you tailor your giving to fit your charitable goals and your personal situation. You may choose to give now or give later. Either way, we will ensure that your legacy and interests will be honored today, tomorrow and forever.

Make an outright, immediate gift

Use many types of assets, including cash, stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, real estate or other appreciated property.

Transfer assets from a private foundation

Establish a fund with the Valley Community Foundation in the name of your private foundation. By arranging to transfer all or part of the assets, you also transfer the burden of taxes, paperwork and other responsibilities to the Valley Community Foundation. Our staff and board can help match your fund with the most appropriate nonprofits to meet your charitable goals.

To explore these options further, please call us at 203-751-9162.

Make a gift and earn income during your lifetime

Make a significant gift while still achieving your financial goals. These types of gifts typically offer significant tax advantages.

A Charitable Gift Annuity is a contract between you and the Foundation. Your gift provides you or a loved one with a fixed annual income for life. After your death, the assets pass to the Foundation for the philanthropic purposes you have outlined.
A Charitable Remainder Trust can accept a variety of assets, such as real estate or appreciated securities. The trust provides you and/or other named beneficiaries with income for your lifetime or for up to 20 years. After your death, the trust goes to the Foundation as a gift for the philanthropic purposes you have outlined.

Give by will, trust or retirement assets

Set up a bequest: Some people specify a certain dollar amount, or a percentage of an entire estate. You may choose to name the Valley Community Foundation as the beneficiary of your IRA. Others put family first and give whatever is left after all other gifts are distributed. Some leave an asset, like a painting, real estate or stock.

Learn more by reading Your Valley, Your Legacy.