Ways to Donate
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa depends on the generosity of donors like you to continue to provide mentors for children. And your contribution stays right in central Iowa.
Here are just some of the ways you can donate:
Gifts of Cash
Financial donations in the form of cash provide direct and immediate support. The most convenient form of giving, cash gifts may be made in the form of currency, checks or credit card. Make your gift online today!
Gifts of cash, as allowed by law, are tax deductible for donors who itemize deductions. (Total charitable deductions in any year cannot exceed 50% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. Contributions above 50% may be carried over for up to five subsequent years.)
Donate Online to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa»
Pledges
BBBSCI’s pledge program offers the opportunity for payments over a maximum of five years, depending on the project and size of gift. Pledge giving is both flexible and tax wise, allowing you to schedule charitable deductions in the years that provide the most significant tax savings. Your pledge is recorded by completing a pledge card or letter of intent and payments may be made online via credit card. Invoice arrangements are also available.
Employer Matching Gifts
Many employers generously match an employee’s gift to nonprofit organizations, providing another avenue for additional contributions to BBBSCI. If your employer will match a gift, your company’s matching gift form should be submitted with your cash gift or pledge. Ask the human resources or benefits office at your workplace for more information.
Foundation Gifts and Grants
Gifts and grants from foundations make up a large part of BBBSCI's annual funding and help us make matches that change children's lives. These gifts also enable us to pioneer new programs.
Memorial/Tribute Gifts
It is possible to give memorial and tribute gifts to BBBSCI at any time.
In-Kind Gifts Contributions
In-kind gifts afford the opportunity to donate valuable items, property, or professional services to BBBSCI. Examples are auction and raffle items, office furniture, computers, products and services for new construction and building renovations, legal and accounting services, etc. We also appreciate in-kind gifts of tickets to sporting, cultural and theater events for our Community Based matches, and books, games and school supplies for our School Based Program. Please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa to see if we can accommodate your donation. View BBBSCI's wish list
Planned Gifts & Bequests
Planned gifts allow you to make a contribution to BBBSCI over a number or years or as part of an estate plan. Using this option, your money will influence the lives of children for years to come.
When properly designed, planned gifts can generate a charitable income tax deduction. They can be designated for a specific purpose or provide unrestricted support for BBBS' mission-directed activities. Here are some of the ways you can make a planned gift to BBBSCI:
Charitable Remainder Trusts
You can establish a separate life income trust to provide either a variable or fixed income, creating a charitable deduction for the remainder interest donated to BBBSCI. Transfers are exempt for capital gains tax.
The Charitable Remainder Unitrust provides income for you or a designated beneficiary based on a payout rate not less than 5% of the fair market value of the trust assets, determined annually. Income from the trust continues for the rest of your life, and in certain cases, may be passed on to a survivor. You may establish an income interest for a parent or other individual you may wish to support.
The Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust, the required annual income distribution amount is predetermined at a minimum of 5% of the fair market value of the Trust assets at the date the assets are transferred to the Trust.
Life Insurance
You may designate BBBSCI as the sole beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy, and potentially gain significant estate tax savings. Or you can irrevocably assign an existing policy to BBBSCI, qualifying for an immediate deduction for income tax purposes. When a paid-up policy is contributed, the allowable deduction is equal to its replacement value, unless that amount exceeds the donor’s tax basis in the policy. In that case the deduction is limited to the basis.
Stocks & Securities
Increasing numbers of donors are making gifts to Big Brothers Big Sisters using appreciated securities including stock, bonds, and mutual funds.
Real Estate
BBBSCI may accept gifts of houses, residential or commercial rental property, office buildings and undeveloped land. You can also make a gift of a personal residence, reserving the right to live in the house. This type of gift is called a “Life Estate Contract” offering the donor a substantial charitable deduction based on the value of the remainder interest in the residence.
This information is not intended as specific legal advice. Consult your tax advisor when considering accounting or legal matters. State laws that govern wills and contracts vary and are subject to change.
To learn more about ways to give to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, contact:
Sarah Popelka
Resource Development Director
9051 Swanson Blvd.
Clive, Iowa 50325
Ph: (515) 288-9025, ext. 225
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