What is Planned Giving?

Planned gifts include many creative and flexible ways to make a difference at the Oakland Museum of California. In addition to achieving personal objectives, you may receive substantial benefits from state and federal tax laws. Your commitment to help the museum is your most important reason for a contribution. However, you should also consider how you might benefit financially from your gift:

• Income tax savings. To encourage private contributions, you are allowed to deduct them on your income tax return, provided you itemize.
• Reduction of estate and probate costs. Gifts to the museum, either now or after your lifetime, avoid federal estate tax without any percentage limitation.
• Unlock appreciated investments. You may have assets that have grown in value but have a low yield. You can contribute these, and not incur tax on your capital gains.
• Increase your income. If you chose a life income gift, you may actually increase your income because of higher income yields and the combined benefits of your charitable deduction and capital gains tax savings.
• Professional management. With a life income plan, the trustee handles the investment responsibilities for the assets you contribute.
• For all these reasons, planned giving is smart giving.

Planned giving may help you accomplish multiple goals with your assets and give more to the museum than you thought possible. We hope that the following descriptions will explain the ways to combine philanthropy with financial planning.

• Bequests
  Learn about types of bequests and see sample language for wills and trusts.
• Life Income Plans
  Create income for yourself or others, receive significant tax benefits and make a future gift.
• Retirement Plans and Life Insurance
  An easy gift with dramatic tax savings.
• What Plan Might Work for You (Planning Strategies)
  Review gift choices based on different ages and circumstances.
• Gift Planning Ideas
  Ways to easily include the Oakland Museum of California in your estate plans.
• How will my legacy make a difference?
  Legacy gifts can honor you and your family, as well as benefit the community and the museum.

Contact us for more information