Have Questions?

We have answers. Take a look at our frequently asked questions or contact Jeff Swanson at 949.553.4202x32 or via email.

Graceful Giving

Margaret Johnson

Margaret Johnson is a vibrant, generous soul. At 81, she exudes high energy and good cheer.

For more than 40 years, she has been an enthusiastic supporter of the symphony, serving on volunteer committees, leading fund drives and chairing galas.

Living on a fixed income for more than a decade, she wanted to stay involved with her symphony friends while protecting her lifetime financial interests. A charitable gift annuity provided the answer.

After consulting with her financial advisor and the Community Foundation, she converted appreciated but under-performing securities worth $100,000 into a charitable gift annuity. She received an immediate tax deduction and $7,000 in annual income for life.

Margaret chose to add half of her gift to the symphony’s endowment fund at the Community Foundation, while distributing the remainder to her donor-advised fund. To thank her, the symphony is planning a surprise luncheon in her honor.

It might be the only event she doesn’t help plan this year.

Charitable Gift Annuities:

Lifetime Income

Lower Taxes

Lasting Legacy

For many people, the best part of philanthropy is experiencing the sheer joy of giving. Seeing children learn. Helping arts thrive. Improving community health. It feels good.

Charitable gift annuities offer you a way to give a gift that will allow you to experience all the joy of giving now, while you are here to enjoy it. Plus, in today’s tough economic circumstances, gift annuities provide three distinct advantages:

Lifetime income
Tax Benefits
Lasting legacy

It’s that easy.

How does it work?

You contribute cash or securities and sign a simple agreement with the Orange County Community Foundation. In return, the Community Foundation pays you, or you and your spouse, a guaranteed income for life. You also get an immediate income tax deduction.

Your gift and your age determine the rate you receive, which is established by the American Council on Gift Annuities. Please contact us for current rates.

Is it safe?

The Orange County Community Foundation is licensed by the California Department of Insurance to issue charitable gift annuities and is responsible for making payments to the annuitant. The guaranteed
lifetime payment is secured by the assets of the Orange County Community Foundation.

Note: Although regulated by the California Department of Insurance, charitable gift annuities are not insured or guaranteed by the California Insurance Guaranty Association.

Cash or securities?

It’s up to you and your financial advisor. Keep in mind that funding a gift annuity is an irrevocable gift. Always seek the advice of a tax professional before entering into any gift annuity agreement. Giving long-term appreciated securities has added benefits.

Part of the appreciation escapes capital gains tax entirely, and you can defer the reportable capital gain.

How does the charitable gift work?

In most gift annuity programs, the gift is tied up for the term of the annuity. With the Orange County Community Foundation, the charitable gift amount can be distributed immediately or later to support your favorite charity or charities. So if you love our beaches, local museums, or your alma mater, you can support them today, enjoy benefits as a valued donor, and still derive income from your gift annuity.

Current charitable gift annuity rates are much higher than returns on certificates of deposit, money market funds, treasury bills and bonds. They are fixed for life and backed by the full financial resources of the Orange County Community Foundation.

Rates

Rates as of July 1, 2011

Let Us Help You

We offer complimentary, no-pressure, personalized illustrations to show how a charitable gift annuity might help you accomplish your income, tax, and charitable goals. We are happy to provide this service over the phone, in writing or in person.

Questions? Contact our Philanthropic Services team.