How to Donate
Deciding How and
What to Give
Most gifts present the opportunity for significant tax deductions. Some people choose to give during high-income years to defray their taxes with deductions. You may wish to donate appreciated securities or real estate to avoid taxes on the sale of these assets. Charitable bequests can play a role in estate planning for your heirs. For a quick overview of a multitude of other gift options, click HERE.
Your professional advisor can help you assess the financial and tax implications of giving the following kinds of assets:
Creating a bright future for Hancock County starts by supporting current organizations and causes that are doing good work within our community. Below are a few of the things to consider when contributing to our county’s legacy of philanthropy.
Timing
Maybe you would like to start giving now, so you can get involved or potentially see the results of your gift. Or perhaps you’d like to give through your estate. Most philanthropists choose a combination of these. What is your timing preference?
- Give all gifts during lifetime
- Give some lifetime gifts; some after death
- Give all gifts after death
Income
Some people choose to give in a way that provides them – or a loved one – with a stream of income for life. Your professional advisor can help you select a giving vehicle that suits your time horizons, tolerance of risk, and income requirements. What kind of income would you like your estate to provide?
- Predictable lifetime income for you AND your spouse
- Predictable lifetime income for you OR your spouse
- Maximum lifetime income for you AND your spouse
- Provide income to a charity during your lifetime
Recognition
Some people like to be recognized for their good work. It attracts attention to their cause, generates awareness, and may inspire others to give. Some people prefer anonymity. What level of recognition do you prefer?
- Lasting recognition (name on a fund, foundation, building, or permanent structure)
- Public recognition (name in public announcement or media coverage)
- Simple recognition (personal thank you and name listed in annual report or newsletter)
- Anonymity
Control
Is ultimate control over assets you give to charity important to you? Some people aren’t comfortable without it. Others are glad to let go, once they’ve made some guiding decisions. Determining the range that’s comfortable for you will help your advisor recommend appropriate giving vehicles.
- Less control
- Some control
- More control
Involvement
Do you want to play an active role in your giving, selecting recipients of your gift for years to come? Would you like to involve your children or grandchildren? Or would you prefer to make one-time gifts with no future demands of your time?
- No personal involvement
- Current personal involvement
- Lifetime personal involvement
- Future personal involvement through children
Give Today
For as many motivations as there are to give, there are ways of giving. The key to having a rewarding giving experience is finding the best fit – for your charitable priorities, financial goals, and personal preferences. The Community Foundation of Hancock County is here to help you and your professional advisor(s) determine the custom giving solution that’s right for you.
Cash Gifts
Credit/Debit
Card
Recurring
Gift
Gifts of Stock/
IRA Distributions
In Gratitude for Your Future Charitable Gift
The John Hancock Legacy Society
The John Hancock Legacy Society was created to recognize individuals who share the Community Foundation’s dedication to philanthropic endeavors. Members of the John Hancock Legacy Society merit the Community Foundation’s highest gratitude for their investment in the future. It’s our way to recognize your thoughtful commitment to make a difference in your favorite charitable cause.
Give Tomorrow
Creating a bright future for Hancock County starts by supporting current organizations and causes that are doing good work within our community. Below are a few of the ways you can give and contribute to our county’s legacy of philanthropy.
Stocks & Bonds
Real Estate
Retirement Assets
Insurance
A gift of your life insurance policy is an excellent way to make a gift to charity. If you have a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose, consider making a gift of your insurance policy.
Other Ways To Give
The Harvest for Hancock program is a charitable program for those in the field of agriculture who choose to use the donation of grain to grow permanent endowment funds benefiting Hancock County.
How it Works
- Ownership of grain is transferred to HCCF
- Your donation of grain lessens the amount of inventory you report
- The grain elevator will create an account and set up grain disposition instructions
- When arriving at the elevator, submit proper documentation including HCCF’s information and the amount of grain to be donated
Where to Direct Your Gift
HCCF stewards a number of endowed funds that benefit organizations and scholarships supporting agricultural-based programs and educational opportunities, including:
Agricultural Heritage Fund
AgrIInstitute Fund
Hancock County Enrichment Fund
Hancock County Ag Association Fund
Mary E. Carmichael Fund for the Future of Agriculture
Scott Family Agriculture Scholarship
Many Scholarships for 4-H Participants
