Tag Archives: planned giving

champion of yes planned giving

Keeping Promises: Sam’s Story

Most Arthritis Foundation donors want to make the greatest impact on the arthritis community through their current and future giving. However, some feel that family responsibilities limit their ability to give. This video shares the story of how Sam, with proper, thoughtful planning, was able to keep an important promise while making a gift to charity more powerful than he imagined.

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arthritis foundation planned giving

Arthritis Foundation Donors Like You Fuel Our Mission

Every day at the Arthritis Foundation, we fight this disease on all fronts – raising awareness, providing life-changing resources, holding community events and offering other local support – all while funding research that shows promise, not only for earlier diagnostics and innovative treatments, but also, ultimately, a cure.

Please take a moment to watch the informative video below to see how our mission is driven forward by the generosity of people like you.

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when the time comes - preparedness

Practical Advice for a Difficult Time

One of the most challenging times in life is dealing with the loss of a spouse or partner.  You must not only deal with the sorrow and grief of your loss, but also attend to many details and decisions that need to be made. The Arthritis Foundation has a resource guide called When the Time Comes (WTTC) to help both prior to and during this difficult time. Continue reading Practical Advice for a Difficult Time

planned giving power attorney

Power of Attorney: The Importance of Being Prepared         

By Lauren J. Wolven

A few years ago, my partner received a scary phone call from her child’s college roommate. Her child had collapsed in the dorm bathroom while getting ready for class and was in the hospital. Terrified, my partner contacted the hospital, and she was shocked to learn they couldn’t release any information because her child was over 18 and legally an adult. The hospital required a medical power of attorney before they could tell her anything. She had to make the thousand-mile trip not knowing how her child was doing. It was one of the worst situations a parent could face.   

What if you got a call that your loved one – spouse, parent or adult child – was in the hospital?  Would you be prepared? It can be overwhelming to even think about, but guidance and help are available. 
Continue reading Power of Attorney: The Importance of Being Prepared         

year-end tax planning

Year-End Tax Planning in Uncertain Times

There is always a certain degree of guesswork that goes into year-end tax planning, but this year there is the added uncertainty surrounding what the tax code will look like after Washington completes the overhaul of our tax system.  The income tax rates for many individuals and businesses may decrease; the definition of income subject to tax may change considerably as well.  Many itemized deductions that we have become so used to, such as the deduction for qualified medical expenses, state and local income taxes and real estate taxes may be eliminated.

However, if the resulting new rules resemble the proposals, there will be a doubling of the standard deduction and the possible elimination of the controversial Alternative Minimum Tax.  Below are some tax-planning suggestions, including suggestions related to charitable gifts, which consider both the typical year-end planning techniques as well as planning for a potential overhaul:

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charitable gift annuity

Benefit From a Charitable Gift Annuity While Doing Good

You’ve worked hard for decades – and it’s about time to enter the next phase of your life. You’ll have time to catch up on those books you’ve been meaning to read, travel to places you’ve dreamed of visiting and perhaps volunteer for that charity you’ve always admired.

But a pleasurable retirement requires sound financial planning. How can you be sure you’ll continue receiving the lifetime income you need and not have to worry that you’ll have enough?

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planned giving - why have a will

Why You Need a Will

Most Americans don’t have a will. They will work to build a life and home for themselves and take care of their friends and family along the way. Unfortunately at the end of their lives, without a will, their property is up to state law instead of being distributed to their friends, family, or charity organizations of their choosing. Shouldn’t it be up to you to decide where your property goes?

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Planned giving gift models

Charitable Gift Annuity: A Win-Win

Often you hear the phrase, “Charity begins at home.” The story of this family can be characterized by the phrase, “Charity begins and ends at home.” Wayne was only in his 20s and attending college in Arizona when he was diagnosed with arthritis. “I remember him saying his back hurt so bad that when he had to cough or sneeze, he found a convenient tree or wall to brace up against it,” says his wife Carole, a retired high school English teacher.

Years later, Carole and Wayne were browsing through a copy of Arthritis Today magazine when an advertisement caught their attention. The ad featured an opportunity to receive guaranteed payout rates for life and other financial benefits – while they helped the Foundation find a cure for arthritis.
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Planned Giving Gift Models Arthritis Foundation

Planned Giving: Do More with Thoughtful Planning

Have you ever received information from the Arthritis Foundation’s Planned Giving Department and wondered exactly what it means? Have you ever seen a request to remember the Arthritis Foundation in your will or trust or read that 25% of all revenue the Foundation receives is from donor bequests? Have you ever met one of the Foundation’s Planned Giving Directors and wondered if they could help you? If so, you’re not alone.
Continue reading Planned Giving: Do More with Thoughtful Planning