Most retirement plans, annuities, and life insurance policies let you decide in advance how your assets will be distributed after your death. They do this by asking you to designate beneficiaries, such as your favorite charity, on a beneficiary designation form.

Donor-advised funds are one of the fastest growing, easiest, and most tax-advantageous ways to give to charity. They allow donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then direct grants from the fund to their favorite charity whenever they choose. And donors can contribute to the fund as frequently as they like.

A simple, cost-effective way to benefit a charity of your choice and receive tax benefits is to use an IRA Charitable Rollover (Qualified Charitable Distribution.) If you are 72 years old* or older, every year you can ask your IRA administrator to transfer up to $100,000 directly to a non-profit of your choice. Because your gift goes directly to a qualified charity, the IRA distribution is excluded from your adjusted gross income for income tax purposes.

You may be able to maximize your gift and your income tax deduction by donating long-term appreciated securities, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, directly to a charity. By donating appreciated stock directly to the charity, the donor avoids recognition of capital gain and eliminates any income tax resulting from the sale of the stock.

Making a gift through your will or living trust is one of the easiest ways to give into the future. With your legal advisor’s assistance, you can include language designating family, friends, or your favorite charity as part of your estate plan. Even a small percentage can have a big impact.