Planned Giving

Through bequests, life insurance, charitable trusts, or retirement benefits, donors of all walks of life at all income levels can make an investment in United Way's future.

Estate gifts are invested in United Way’s board-designated Endowment Fund. Distributions from the endowment are used as needed to support the work of United Way. Other endowment funds can be created for a specific purpose with a gift of $25,000 or more.

If you are a professional financial advisor looking for more information about the Legacy Society, please visit our professional advisors resource page.

Planned Gift Opportunities

Qualified Charitable Deduction: Usually when individuals take distributions from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), it counts as income for tax purposes. An IRA charitable rollover, also called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), is an exception. 

The law remains that IRA owners age 70½ and older can make a charitable rollover gift of up to $100,000 from their IRA to public charities, this charitable IRA rollover will count toward their RMDs.  This may satisfy your annual minimum distribution up to the amount of the gift.  It can reduce your taxable income even if you do not itemize, because it allows you to give from pre-tax assets, excluding your distribution from taxable income.  A QCD can also prevent you from moving into a higher tax bracket or Medicare Part B or Part D premium bracket by reducing your taxable income.  And, finally, a QCD helps avoid limits on charitable deductions and minimizes the effect your giving may have on cash flow. 

Bequests: Name United Way as a beneficiary in your will – A bequest provision can be included in your will when you create it, or you can amend an existing will.  You can find more information here.

Outright Gifts: Make an outright gift of cash, appreciated stock or personal assets – This is an excellent technique for individuals who are looking to benefit from an immediate tax deduction, possibly from a significant bonus or selling a business.  Please click here for instructions on making a stock donation to United Way.

Retirement Plan: Name United Way as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or IRA account – Perpetuating your gift through a retirement plan is simple, flexible and can have significant tax benefits. Contact the administrator of your retirement plan to designate United Way as a beneficiary.

Life Insurance: Name United Way as a beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy – Consider assigning ownership of the policy to United Way for immediate tax benefits, or simply designate United Way as the beneficiary to leave a lasting legacy in our community.

Other Ways to Give: There are many other ways an estate gift may be made to United Way, including Charitable Trusts and Charitable Gift Annuities. Please contact your financial advisor to determine the best planned giving plan for you.

Get Started

For more information about making a Planned Gift to United Way of Central Jersey contact Elizabeth Hance or call 732-247-3727, ext. 225.