WHAT IS CHARITABLE GIVING / BENEFITS
A charitable/planned gift is an irrevocable or revocable gift; a creative way to give, using different types of assets; a way for donors to make gifts to an organization and receive financial benefits; a way for donors to make larger gifts than they thought possible, and for some donors the only way to make a major gift; a way to help donors achieve philanthropic and financial objectives; and a way to offer substantial assistance to ones charity of choice. There are major tax savings also associated with planned giving.

WAYS TO FUND A CHARITABLE GIFT

Cash and most other types of assets can be used to make a bequest.

• ANNUITIES
  
• PLEDGE - If in a campaign, over the years remaining in the campaign.
  
• SECURITIES - Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and closely held stock.
  
• LIFE INSURANCE - Identifying the beneficiary of your insurance policy.
  
• TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY - Antiques, jewelry, books, art, planes, automobiles and computers.
  
• REAL ESTATE - Personal residence, farmland, summer home, commercial property and undeveloped land.
  
• RETIREMENT ASSETS - Individual retirement accounts and pension plans.
  
• GIFTS OF CASH
  

Charitable gifts in the form of cash donations are flexible and convenient for the donor, with the benefit of an income tax deduction and an immediate impact on Happiness House. You may specify that your gift be applied to our endowment or used for a specific purpose that is close to your heart. We can help by letting you know more about the needs of Happiness House.

BEQUESTS
By naming Happiness House as a beneficiary in your will, you can provide for the organization's future without affecting your family's current financial security. The tax savings to your estate can be considerable. You may designate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate, or you may choose one of several other forms of bequest that most closely fits your interests and the needs of your family.

APPRECIATED PROPERTY
Gifts of appreciated property - securities or bonds - may provide more advantages than a cash gift in the same amount. They not only generate a charitable income tax deduction, but you can usually avoid capital gains tax.

THE HAPPINESS HOUSE SOCIETY
Happiness House is proud to offer the opportunity for legacy gifts through The Happiness House Society. The Society's goal is to build an endowment fund to provide a lifetime of support for children and adults with disabilities served by Happiness House now and in the future. Members of the Society will help to ensure that the future is bright and that individuals with disabilities are able to realize the opportunities they so richly deserve. With a bequest to The Happiness House Society you will know that your spirit of caring will live on and continue to touch the lives of children and adults with disabilities year after year. For more information on The Happiness House Society, please contact Community Relations, by calling (315) 789-6828.

FINANCIAL ADVISEMENT
We recommend that you speak to your financial advisor before making a planned giving commitment. We can provide more information and suggest appropriate advisors if you need additional assistance.

CONTACT US
To make inquiries regarding Charitable Giving, please contact:
Mary Walsh Boatfield
Executive Director
(315) 789-6828
mboatfield@happinesshouse.org

Every Gift Makes A Difference!