Planned Giving with Keep Montana Green

What is planned giving?
Planned giving, also known as gift giving or legacy giving, allows philanthropic individuals to make larger donations to charitable organizations. Such contributions enable organizations to fund projects that they would otherwise not have the capacity to pursue. Planned giving differs with common donations, not only in amount, but in intent. Rather than a block donation, planned gifts are typically set aside for a specific purpose, such as project or campaign the donor wishes to fund. It is also common for planned gifts to be spread out over time or for the contribution to be made after the donor’s death.

What types of planned giving are available?
Bequests: A Bequest is a gift made through a will or a living trust. It’s the most popular planned gift; the easiest to make; and costs nothing during a donor’s lifetime. A Bequest can be included in a new will or added to an existing will or living trust through a simple amendment called a codicil — often without the expense of hiring a lawyer.  Bequests are usually a set dollar amount or percentage of an estate that goes to a nonprofit after the donor’s death.

Charitable Gift Annuities: A Charitable Gift Annuity allows the donor to transfer an irrevocable gift of cash or securities to a nonprofit in exchange for a fixed income payment for life. What’s more, this gift plan entitles the donor to an immediate charitable income tax deduction. At the end of its term, the Charitable Gift Annuity balance goes to the nonprofit to support its mission.

Life Insurance Gifts: A donor can designate a charity as a Life Insurance policy beneficiary. When the time comes, the nonprofit receives the proceeds. This allows the donor to provide a large gift to benefit a nonprofit — often more than they’d be able to donate outright. The donor’s heirs benefit as well, because policy proceeds distributed to a nonprofit are exempt from estate tax.

Many other forms of planned giving exist. Talk with your financial advisor to see what’s right for you.

What are the benefits of planned giving?
· Contributors of planned gifts are part of something bigger. They invest in an organization’s mission and truly make a difference.
· All gifts are tax deductible!
· Those who contribute a planned gift to Keep Montana Green will become a Sustaining Member of KMG and will receive special recognition in our bi-monthly newsletter.

What can Keep Montana Green do with my planned contribution?
KMG can benefit from planned giving in a number of ways! Your gift can directly fund the annual Wildfire Prevention Art Contest, which engages thousands of Montana youth every year. Your gift can pay for the development and distribution of wildfire prevention educational material across the state, or enable KMG to develop new digital content to spread the word on public safety! The sky is the limit!

How do I arrange a planned gift to Keep Montana Green?
First, consult your financial planner or advisor to make sure planned giving is right for you. Then reach out to KMG Executive Director, Kristin Sleeper, to discuss the details of your gift! Together we will figure out how to make the most of your gift to balance KMG’s needs with your generous goals.

Kristin can be reached at Kristin.Sleeper@mt.gov