Memories last a lifetime.
Our financial security didn’t just happen on its own. Without the dedication of our membership, directors and their families and friends we could not claim this milestone. Dues, donations, memorials, gifts and fundraising efforts have contributed to the financial stability of our organization.
It is the memorable events that shape our lives. Birthdays, anniversaries arrival of a baby, and the passing of a loved one are all occasions in which to remember someone special. A thoughtful way to remember that special event is by providing a donation to Second Wind in their honor of their memory.
There are a variety of ways to make a donation to Second Wind Lung St. Louis which include:
Unrestricted Donation
A donation to the association to assist in the growth of the association and to help achieve the association’s mission.
Memorials
Memorials are made to Second Wind for deceased family members or friends. These donations provide a fitting acknowledgement of loved ones and provide assistance to transplant patients and their families
Tributes
Tributes are made in honor of someone on their transplant date, birthday, graduation, anniversary or other special occasion. These donations provide a fitting acknowledgement of loved ones and provide assistance to transplant patients and their families.
Planned Giving
Your long term gifts to Second Wind can make a important difference in someone’s life. Planned gifts can benefit Second Wind St. Louis while helping you to save taxes, increase your income and pass more on to your heirs.
Did you know that…
- You can receive income for life in exchange for a gift?
- Giving appreciated property, like stocks or real estate, costs less than giving the equivalent amount in cash?
- Some assets can benefit you more if you give them away?
- Some gifts cost nothing now, but leave a legacy later?
- Some gifts allow you to pass more on to your heirs and save taxes?
It is possible to ensure that Second Wind will both fulfill its mission and be financially sound long into the future through simple gifts from our estates without changing our wills or living trusts. These gifts generally avoid probate and may also save income taxes or “death” taxes.
Gifts from Financial Accounts
Generally speaking, it’s possible to pass bank account proceeds to an organization without making or changing a will by naming Second Wind of St. Louis as the death beneficiary of the account.
Many states allow so-called POD (pay on death) accounts that let you name a beneficiary for almost any financial account: savings, checking, CD, credit union savings, etc. You can indicate that your deposit will be “payable on
death” to Second Wind and keep the right to change or revoke the arrangement at any time.
If POD accounts are not used in your area, you can probably use a “Rotten Trust” or “self-declaration trust”. These are bank deposits that you have indicated to be “in trust” for Second Wind. Ask your account manager how beneficiaries may be made.
Gifts of Retirement Death Benefits
Charitable organizations generally can he named as death beneficiaries of retirement savings plans. So those who participate in pension plans, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans and other qualified retirement savings plans have an opportunity to make important gifts through a simple beneficiary designation.
Life insurance, in addition to providing family protection and peace of mind, offers a multitude of other benefits, including significant help for Second Wind as the death beneficiary.
Your estate will be entitled to a charitable deduction for the proceeds passed on to Second Wind. If you prefer, you can name Second Wind St. Louis contingent beneficiary of a life insurance policy, Second Wind would receive the proceeds only if your primary beneficiary died before you. Or you can name us the co-beneficiary and share insurance proceeds with another.
Gifts of Securities
Securities that are being held for you in a brokerage account can be transferred to Second Wind at death through a “TOD” (transfer on death) designation. Your broker can provide you with simple forms on which you can name Second Wind of St. Louis as a beneficiary. Securities transferred from your estate for Second Wind’s benefit will be free of income taxes and federal estate taxes and will pass outside probate, as well.
If any of these ideas are of interest to you, we would be glad to answer any questions you might have. We would also be grateful if you would notify us when you decide to include us in your estate plans. Knowing of your plans is important in framing our own plans for the future. Of course, we would also like to recognize you for your generosity, either publicly or privately.
Please contact board member and attorney, Joshua Stegeman, by phone at 314.242.5390 or email.