Planned Giving

In its simplest definition, planned giving, which is sometimes called legacy giving, is a way to support a nonprofit organization you’re passionate about, like JFS. A planned gift is arranged now and allocated in the future, most often through a will or a trust after a donor passes away. 

Planned gifts can be funded through cash, equity, or property, and they allow you to give what is typically the most significant gift you’ll be able to make to an organization. Some planned gifts enable you to receive life-long income, while others use estate and tax planning avenues to provide for nonprofits in ways that minimize the taxes on your estate. 

Outside of financial benefits, planned giving ensures that your wishes are fulfilled and the wealth you worked so hard to accumulate is distributed to the loved ones and charities you’ve selected. It also allows for you to have control in deciding how your charitable gift is spent. 

Planned gifts are for everyone no matter the size of your financial portfolio. All contributions, large or small, help to ensure the financial health of an organization and is such a meaningful way to make a lasting difference in an organization that has a special place in your heart. 

There are many ways to make a planned gift, and you can designate your donation to your favorite JFS program or where it’s needed most! Remember, nearly all donations to JFS are fully tax-deductible. 

Donate Gifts of Appreciated Securities 

By giving appreciated securities you have owned for more than a year, you enhance your tax benefits. You receive a tax deduction for the value at the time of your gift, and you avoid the capital gains tax that you would have owed if you sold the stock. Get started today.  

Donate via Your Donor-Advised Fund 

Support JFS with a contribution from your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) at Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, JEWISHcolorado, Rose Community Foundation, or others. Visit our Donate page and use the DAF Direct tool to process your donation directly from Fidelity, Schwab, or BNY Mellon.  

Donate via an IRA or other retirement assets 

Donating an IRA or other retirement assets to charity can be a tax-smart estate planning strategy. Individuals aged 70 ½ or older can contribute up to $100,000 from their IRA directly to a charity and avoid paying income taxes on the distribution and have it qualify toward your Required Minimum Distribution. This is known as a qualified charitable distribution. Contact your IRA custodian and follow their procedures to request a “Qualified Charitable Distribution.”  

Please consult a professional advisor before making any changes to your estate plans. Whether you choose to name JFS in your will or trust or give through your retirement fund or life insurance, you help ensure that we’ll be here—dedicated to helping those who need us most throughout our community—for years to come. 

If you’d like to learn more about these giving opportunities, please contact Jessica Zeidman, Chief Advancement Officer at 720.248.4663 or jzeidman@jewishfamilyservice.org