Donate to FVR

Workplace giving is an easy and efficient way to make tax-deductible donations to charities through payroll contributions. Many employers match employees’ gifts, and some employers even double or triple employees’ donations. It’s as straightforward as asking for and filling out a form from your employer.

• Your gift can be your final statement about what you believe to be important and worthwhile, such as the research supported by the Foundation for Vision Research.

  Charitable gifts may take several forms. It can be a specific sum, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after expenses and gifts to loved ones.

Leaving a gift in your Will to a cause that you love is a great expression of your values, and it may be simpler than you think. If you want to support the mission of the Foundation for Vision Research, please use the following language in your Estate Plans:

“I, {name of donor}, of {city, state, zip}, give, devise and bequeath to the Foundation for Vision Research, located at 5030 Cascade Rd Grand Rapids, MI 49546, a Michigan non-profit corporation, the amount of $ {amount}, or {percentage} % of my estate, or the property described herein; for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

Even if you don’t have a will, you can leave a gift to the Foundation for Vision Research from your retirement accounts, insurance plan, a donor-advised fund, or other assets that allow you to designate a named beneficiary and may not be needed by your heirs. It’s also easy to do. Start by contacting the company that holds your account to ask for a beneficiary form. Then fill out the form, sign it and return

it to the company. This beneficiary form takes precedence over any contradictory language that may be in your will or trust. You can give the Foundation a percentage of what remains in your account or you can name the Foundation as a contingent beneficiary, where we only receive the funds if your primary beneficiaries are no longer living.

These strategies cost you nothing now. Doing this may also lower your taxes. Retirement fund assets are some of the most highly taxed assets when left to those other than a spouse. Donating all or part of a retirement plan to charity may reduce estate taxes and result in a larger inheritance for your heirs. But when you name the Foundation for Vision Research as a beneficiary of your account, the full amount goes directly to finding a cure for blindness.

There are several ways you can donate to the Foundation for Vision Research and receive an income stream for the rest of your life. With today’s low interest rates, charitable annuities and trusts make good financial use of your cash, securities, or other assets while giving you tax deductions today.

A charitable gift annuity is a simple agreement between you and the charity:

* You make an irrevocable contribution to the Foundation (our minimum donation is $10,000 and you must be at least 60 years old).

* You receive fixed annual payments for the rest of your life at an appealing rate.

* You will benefit from income and estate tax deductions and receive favorable capital gains tax treatment if applicable.

* Your gift will both benefit you now and ensure that the Foundation’s work to fight blindness continues into the future.

Charitable Remainder Trusts are very flexible and can be customized to meet your specific financial, tax, and estate planning needs:

Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT)

* A CRUT is a variable income trust that pays you a percentage of assets, with rates valued annually.

* For your donation, you receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your contribution to the unitrust and savings on capital gains taxes.

* We recommend a minimum trust of $250,000.

Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT)

* A CRAT is a fixed income trust which pays out an amount that is determined when the trust is setup and never varies.

* This may be a good option if you are 78 years or older.

* You benefit from an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your contribution to the trust and savings on capital gains taxes.