Bequests Many of our supporters make charitable gifts by naming the YWCA Atlanta as a beneficiary in their wills, either with a designated dollar amount or percentage of their estate. We also could be named as a remainder beneficiary to receive funds only after specific sums have been paid to individual beneficiaries. Your entire will does not have to be redrafted; you can easily add us by amending your will with a codicil. Charitable remainder trusts and lead trusts Charitable remainder unitrusts and annuity trusts allow you to make a gift to the YWCA Atlanta and receive income (either a percentage or fixed amount) from the assets contributed. By transferring assets to a trustee who makes payments to us for a specified number of years (after which the assets are transferred to your heirs), the charitable lead trust makes good sense for anyone in the top estate and gift tax brackets. Gifts of stock A gift of appreciated stock offers a two-fold tax savings, first by avoiding capital gains tax on the increase in value of the stock, and second by receiving an income tax deduction for the full fair market value. Generally, you must have owned the stock for at least one year to qualify for these tax advantages. Gifts of real estate By donating a property that has appreciated in value since its purchase, you will avoid the capital gains tax and receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of the property. You also can donate your home, continue to use it for your (and your spouse's) lifetime, and receive a current income tax deduction. Gifts of life insurance Some supporters donate the life insurance policy they no longer need, or they purchase a new policy to donate to the YWCA Atlanta. To receive a deduction, you must designate us as both the owner and beneficiary of the policy. Life income gifts Life income gifts can increase your income, provide a charitable contribution deduction and help you avoid capital gains taxes. You irrevocably transfer some assets (for example, stock paying low dividends) to the YWCA now, and in return, you (and a survivor, if you wish) receive income for life, after which the assets are distributed outright to the YWCA. YWCA's Carol Dunlap Reiser Scholarship Fund During her lifetime, Carol Dunlap Reiser went where there was no path and left a trail for others to follow. Carol was such an intricate part of the Atlanta community, it was fitting that during her 23-year career at Rich's-Macy's, she was vice president of community affairs. She was also a treasured member of the YWCA Atlanta family, and after her death, the YWCA established this scholarship fund with support from Rich's-Macy's (now Macy's) to honor her legacy of service and commitment to girls and women. The scholarship is awarded annually in May to a young woman striving to achieve academic success and who has shown dedication to her community and education. Gifts to the Carol Dunlap Reiser Scholarship fund empower and encourage young girls to - like Carol - leave a trail for others to follow. There are many ways to make a charitable gift, and we encourage you to check with your accountant or other tax advisor for the advantages - and possible drawbacks - of making a planned gift. If you would like more information about the YWCA's planned giving program, please contact Kimberle Swaak at 404.527.7575 x 124 or kswaak@ywcaatlanta.org. << back