As a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization, we rely on support from donors like you. Below are some of the many creative ways to share your gifts. To set up your donation or learn more, contact us at philanthropy@nationallutheran.org.

Current gifts:

Donate today via the most convenient channel for you.

• Cash or check — The most common way to make an immediate gift is by giving cash or writing a check.
• Stocks or bonds — If you have owned securities for more than one year and the fair market value has increased since purchase, you can avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable income tax deduction equal to the fair market value. Download our stock transfer form here.
• Employer matching gifts — Your current or retiree employer may offer a match to your donations.
• Donor advised funds — Designate a gift through your charitable sponsor.
• Retirement plans — Those over 70 1/2 years of age may make a charitable distribution up to $100,000 annually directly from a taxable IRA account instead of taking their minimum distributions. As a result, you may avoid being pushed into higher income tax brackets.
• Real estate — A gift of real estate that has been held for more than a year also has the advantage of providing you with a charitable deduction based on the current fair market value, as well as bypassing capital gains tax on the appreciation.

Deferred or planned gifts:

Create your legacy by providing a gift in your will or through a beneficiary designation.

• Will — Next to writing a check, perhaps the best-known vehicle for philanthropy is the bequest made in a will. A bequest makes it possible for you to make your wishes known today without relinquishing needed assets during your lifetime. Bequests can transfer a specific asset entirely or a percent of the estate after costs and taxes.

Gifts that generate income for you:

The benefits of planned giving compound when you utilize one of the options below that generate income as well as provide a number of other benefits.

• Charitable gift annuity — A charitable gift annuity is an example of how a gift generates income for the donor. In addition to the annuity payment, the donor receives a charitable income tax deduction and a portion of each annuity payment may be tax-free.
• Deferred payment gift annuity — Annuity payments are delayed for a number of years and offers rates that make it an attractive supplement to retirement income.
• Charitable remainder trust (CRT) — CRTs are perhaps the most versatile charitable giving tool. With the CRT it is possible to bypass capital gains tax on the sale of highly appreciated assets, generate an increase in income, receive an attractive charitable income tax deduction and fulfill your philanthropic objectives.
• Life insurance — Life insurance has many unique attributes that may enhance nearly any comprehensive charitable gift plan.