What to Give

Whether you want to remove assets from your estate to reduce taxes, minimize taxes on capital gains or establish a life income, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation can help. Our staff is available to meet with you to discuss giving alternatives and opportunities. For all estate planning, we recommend that you consult with your financial advisor or attorney as a first step. You can use any of the following assets to establish a charitable fund or give to an existing fund at BTCF.

• STOCKS, BONDS AND MUTUAL FUNDS

  Giving gifts of long-term appreciated property in the form of stocks, bonds or mutual funds may provide greater tax benefits than a cash gift of equivalent value, especially if they have a low cost basis. You will receive a charitable deduction for the full market value of your property-even if you initially bought it for far less. You will also avoid capital gains tax-money you'd have to pay if you liquidated the property. A gift of closely held stock is also an option for giving.

• CASH

  A cash gift is the most popular type of charitable gift because of its simplicity. With a gift of at least $10,000, you can establish a donor advised fund at BTCF. You can also donate any amount of cash to an existing fund. With a gift of $25,000 or more, you can establish an endowed fund of your choice that will generate distributions for grants or scholarships to continue your legacy in perpetuity.

• CONVERT A PRIVATE FOUNDATION

  Did you know you can convert your private foundation to a community foundation fund? Many families establish private foundations to create a charitable legacy without realizing the complexities and expense of administration or considering that their needs may change over time. A number of private foundations have chosen to convert to a fund at BTCF so that the advisors can focus solely on the work they love—grantmaking.

  BENEFITS
  • Lower administrative costs
  • Greater tax benefits: Gifts into a BTCF fund have a higher threshold of deductibility, up to 60% of gross income vs. 30% for a private foundation
  • No payout requirement
  • Greater privacy