More Ways to Give

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Below are some examples of ways to make a planned gift, and the benefits each offers. For additional information or questions about how to make a planned gift to the United Nations Foundation, please contact Lesli Creedon at lcreedon@unfoundation.org or (202) 887-9040.

• Donating By Check
• Donating Through Your Will
• Donating Appreciated Stock or other Assets
• Donating Life Insurance
• Donating IRAs or other Retirement Assets

Donating Through Your Will

As you probably know, a bequest is a provision made in your will or living trust. It is the most common type of planned gift. Typically, people provide a gift for a charity by making a bequest of a specific amount of money. However, there are several options that might be more beneficial to you. 

• You can leave specific property. Please keep in mind that your wishes may not be fulfilled if you sell or otherwise dispose the property.
• You can make a bequest for a percentage of your estate. If the size of your estate changes, your charitable gift will automatically adjust.
• You can leave all or part of “what’s left” by designating all or part of the remainder of your estate after your loved ones have been provided for.
• Like any gift, a bequest to the UN Foundation can be made in memory of a loved one.

Donating Appreciated Stock or Other Assets

For US taxpayers, there are potential benefits when you make a gift of assets that have increased in value. For example, if you sell stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have appreciated in value, you may be subject to capital gains tax. However if you donate the asset to the United Nations Foundation, you could earn a charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the assets (provided you have held the asset for at least 1 year).

Donating Unneeded Life Insurance

Life insurance can provide an easy way to support the United Nations Foundation. Its flexibility makes it possible for nearly everyone to make a meaningful gift. For example:

• You could name the United Nations Foundation as the beneficiary of all or part of your life insurance death benefit.
• You can make a gift of life insurance policy that you no longer need. For example, policies intended for a college fund or a mortgage that are no longer needed can be great way to make a gift.
• Instead of creating a bequest in your will, you can make a current gift and obtain a life insurance policy so that your heirs still receive their share. In this way, you could receive the income tax benefits now, and the insurance will replace the assets so that beneficiaries will still receive the same amount.

Donating IRAs or other Retirement Assets

Gifts of retirement assets can save your heirs undue tax burdens and allow you to accomplish your charitable objectives. When you bequeath retirement assets to your heirs, you are leaving them taxable assets, and they may owe income tax on the bequest. However, if you name the United Nations Foundation as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, your heirs will not pay tax on the assets. This will allow you to make a larger gift than otherwise possible.