Legacy Planning Using Donor Advised Funds
John and Jeri first visited beautiful Asheville, N.C., 10 years ago. They were traveling the eastern U.S. and stopped for the night. They ended up staying for three nights and have been back every year. Last year John and Jeri sold the family business and made the decision to retire in Asheville.
They are interested in continuing to support Oklahoma United Methodist causes including their home church. They recently attended an estate and legacy planning seminar presented by the Foundation and learned that they could donate real estate to the Foundation.
John and Jeri still own their home in Oklahoma and would like to donate it to the Foundation to accomplish their philanthropic goals. After exploring various charitable giving options, they determined that a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) was the best vehicle for them.
A DAF is like having a private foundation without the unfavorable restrictions and excise tax. It offers a flexible and easy-to-establish vehicle for charitable giving. The fund is invested for growth, which permits the donors to make gifts while they are alive and allows their children to make recommendations for distributions after they have passed on. Gifts made to the DAF qualify for a full fair market value charitable deduction. The fair market value of John and Jeri’s home is $3 million. When they contribute their home to their Donor Advised Fund, they will receive a current income tax deduction for that amount, which will offset the capital gains tax from the sale of their business.
As soon as their home is sold, John and Jeri will be ready to make gifts to both their church and other Oklahoma Methodist causes. They can also make additional gifts of cash and securities to their DAF. Additionally, John and Jeri plan to make arrangements to add a bequest to their DAF. Their Donor Advised Fund will enable them to pass on their legacy of giving to their children and grandchildren.
If you would like more information about Donor Advised Funds, please contact David Battles, CPA, at 800-259-6863 or dbattles@okumf.org. There is no obligation and all inquiries are confidential.