Planned gifts offer a meaningful way to support FOCUS North America’s mission while potentially providing you with tax benefits and ensuring that the impact of your legacy lives on. Here’s an overview of the various types of planned gifts you can make to FOCUS: 

1. Bequests: A simple yet powerful option, a bequest allows you to include FOCUS in your will or living trust, designating a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate, or a particular asset. Your bequest will only take effect after your lifetime, allowing you to retain control of your assets during your life while creating an enduring legacy.
2. Charitable Gift Annuities: Through a charitable gift annuity, you can make a gift to FOCUS and receive fixed annual payments for life. This type of gift can provide you or a loved one with a steady income stream and immediate tax benefits. Upon your passing, the remaining value of the annuity supports FOCUS’s programs, creating a lasting impact.
3. Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): A CRT allows you to transfer cash, securities, or other assets into a trust that provides income to you or other beneficiaries for a specified period. After this period, the remaining assets are distributed to FOCUS, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve while potentially offering tax advantages.
4. Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs): In a CLT, assets are placed into a trust that provides FOCUS with income for a set number of years, after which the remaining assets are returned to you or other beneficiaries. This type of planned gift can help reduce estate and gift taxes while supporting FOCUS’s work over time.
5. Beneficiary Designations: You can name FOCUS North America as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy, or other financial accounts. This easy process allows you to make a significant impact without modifying your will or trust. By designating FOCUS as a beneficiary, you leave a lasting legacy without affecting your current financial situation.
6. Gifts of Real Estate: By donating real estate to FOCUS, you can make a significant impact while potentially receiving tax benefits. Real estate gifts may include a primary residence, vacation home, commercial property, or land. You may also choose to donate a property but retain lifetime use through a retained life estate arrangement.
7. Life Insurance Policies: If you have a life insurance policy that you no longer need, consider transferring ownership to FOCUS or naming FOCUS as a beneficiary. This type of gift allows you to make a more significant contribution than you might otherwise be able to during your lifetime.

If interested in making a planned gift to FOCUS, please contact us at JavaScript required to view address.