Overview

Many donors choose to leave charitable assets upon their deaths after they’re assured that loved ones have been cared for. A variety of assets, such as pension plans, life insurance or the proceeds from the sale of a house, can be made available for charitable purposes. We encourage you to work with your lawyer or financial advisor as you consider these options. Our staff is experienced in the use of these giving vehicles and is eager to work with you and your advisor in this process. The benefits are many including the avoidance of capital gains tax on appreciated securities; the creation of income for life; the reduction of estate taxes; preserving assets in perpetuity; and, the creation of a permanent legacy to the community.

Gifts by Will or Trust

This is one of the simplest ways for a donor to give and for the Greater New Orleans Community to receive. You can establish or add to your named fund in your will or trust through a bequest. Your gift can be used to accomplish almost any charitable goal.

Gifts of Retirement Plan Assets

A retirement plan is one of the best types of assets to transfer to a charity because it reduces taxable income.

Gifts that Provide Income

Charitable remainder trusts provide for an income stream for life or a fixed number of years. At the end of the term, the remaining assets pass to an endowed fund at GNOF. Charitable remainder trusts are ideal for gifts of cash and appreciated property.

Charitable gift annuities enable your client to receive a fixed, guaranteed income for the rest of his or her life and/or the life of another person after a permanent gift to the Foundation is made. The donor can start receiving income immediately or defer payments until a later date. At the end of the annuity period, the remaining value of the gift goes into to an endowed fund of his or her choice at the Foundation.

Passing Wealth to a Second Generation

Charitable lead trusts are excellent vehicles for passing wealth to children or to other beneficiaries with reduced gift and estate tax consequences. Assets are transferred to a trust and payments are made immediately (in a fixed amount or percentage of assets) to a fund at the Foundation for a term of years or during the lives of named individuals. As the end of the term, the remaining assets are returned to the individuals specified.

To learn more about how a partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation can meet your client’s needs, please contact Alice B. Parkerson, vice president of development, at (504) 598-1291.