Giving Levels and Programs

Gifts in Honor. You can pay tribute to someone who values or valued the work that Agape hopes to accomplish in the third world. Agape will acknowledge your thoughtful gift to the family or friends whom you designate.

We also have a holiday/other giving program for children and adults. Donations above $50 made as holiday gifts for children will be acknowledged to the child with a certificate and an age appropriate book on India. Donations above $50 made as gifts for adults will also be acknowledged with a certificate and a small gift from India.

Other Giving Including Non-Cash Options
There are other ways of giving to Agape that often include attractive tax incentives as well as income for the donor.

Gifts of Appreciated Property
If you have stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other assets that you have owned for more than one year and that have increased in value since the time of purchase, you may find it advantageous to give them to Agape. Your outright gift of long-term, appreciated securities is exempt from capital gains taxes and, if you itemize, you may claim a charitable income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the property at the time of transfer. For gifts of property, your gift is fully deductible for up to 30% of your adjusted gross income, and like gifts of cash, may be carried forward for up to five years. Appraisal is the responsibility of the donor.

Charitable Remainder Trust
A charitable remainder trust is a personalized life income gift that provides the donor with a lifetime income and a charitable tax deduction. The donor selects the payout rate usually between 5 and 7 percent, providing the donor, and the donor’s spouse, with an income every year for life. The higher the payout rate, the lower the charitable tax deduction. If the donor funds the trust with appreciated securities, the donor will avoid capital gains taxes. The donor selects the trustee who may invest in almost any investment including tax free bonds. Donors may designate the remainder of their trust to benefit any Agape programs.

There are other trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts, which provide income payments (“lead interest”) to Agape for a set period of years. At the end of this fixed period the assets in the trust revert to the donor, to family or to others.

Gifts of Real Estate
You can make a gift of unencumbered commercial or residential real estate to Agape and receive substantial benefits. For an outright gift of real estate, the donor receives a charitable income tax donation based on the fair market value (appraised value) of the property. If you are considering leaving your home to Agape through your will, you may wish to consider giving it now but retain the right to live in it through your lifetime. You are responsible for paying taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, but you do receive a substantial charitable income tax deduction in the year the gift is made. In some cases, your estate may be used to provide a life income stream thorugh a charitable remainder trust or other gift planning option.

Estate Planning
For many donors, a gift made through a will or trust is the most realistic way to make a gift. All bequests to Agape that are not directed to a specific program will be designated as part of a permanent endowment.

Property, including cash, securities, jewelry, art and real estate may be given through a will or trust. Through estate planning provisions, a donor may leave Agape a specific dollar amount or a specific percentage of the estate. The donor may stipulate whether the bequest is for general support or for a specific purpose. A bequest can also be made in honor or memory of another individual. All outright bequests to Agape are exempt from federal estate taxes.

Please contact us if you have any questions about giving options. We have two financial advisors available to answer your specific questions and/or provide specific language to you or your advisor.