Individuals who want to support Autism Speaks but who are not in a position to contribute a major gift today can nonetheless participate in the Major Gifts Program through a bequest or planned gift. Sometimes called a deferred gift, these vehicles express a commitment to contribute at a future date. For more information, contact Rich Brown at rbrown@autismspeaks.org
Bequests
The most common form of planned gift is a bequest. Simply list Autism Speaks as a beneficiary in your will for a fixed amount of money or a percentage of your estate. Sample bequest language:
“I GIVE, DEVISE AND BEQUEATH to Autism Speaks, having its principal office at 1 E. 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, the sum of $__________ [and/or _____ shares of the capital stock of _____ corporation and/or the following described property___________ and/or ______% of my residuary estate] for its general purposes.”
Charitable Remainder Trust
The most common type of charitable trust is a Charitable Remainder Trust. A CRT provides the donor or designated beneficiaries with a stream of income for the donor's lifetime or a term of years. After the trust terminates, the accumulated principal, or "remainder," goes to Autism Speaks. The trust itself is tax-exempt, so appreciated assets, such as stock, can be put in the trust and sold without incurring capital gains tax. An immediate income tax deduction is received on a substantial portion of the value of the trust.
A charitable remainder unitrust pays an annual percentage rate of return, so the payout will vary depending on the principal in the trust at the end of each year. A charitable remainder annuity trust pays a fixed annual amount regardless of the principal in the trust.
Charitable Lead Trust
A charitable lead trust allows one to make a gift to Autism Speaks that ultimately benefits family and heirs with little or no tax penalty. The lead trust pays income to Autism Speaks over a designated a number of years. At the end of the term, the remaining principal, including appreciation, passes to the trust's designated heirs. Because the lead trust generates substantial estate tax savings, heirs receive a greater inheritance than if the assets are given or bequeathed directly.
IRA Rollover
The Pension Protection Act provides that IRA owners age 70 ½ or older may donate all or a portion of their IRA, up to $100,000, and avoid income taxes that would ordinarily incur with normal distribution. The rule was extended by Congress through at least the end of 2010. The transfer must be made directly from the IRA to Autism Speaks.
Life Insurance
Individuals owning life insurance policies that are no longer needed and are fully paid can designate Autism Speaks to be the beneficiary of the policy.
