Your passion for nature and outdoor education can create a lasting impact for generations to come. By including Ketcha Outdoors in your estate plans, through a bequest in your will, designating us as a beneficiary of your retirement account, or gifting appreciated securities, you directly enable thousands of children to explore, learn, and thrive in the natural world, fostering a lifelong connection to the environment.
Establishing a legacy gift with Ketcha Outdoors is often simpler than you might imagine and offers profound benefits, allowing your values to continue fostering a love for the outdoors. These planned giving options are designed to align with your personal financial goals, providing flexible and impactful ways to secure the future of our programs while also offering potential tax advantages. Explore the various ways you can create your outdoor legacy.
Did you know that retirement assets, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, can be among the most heavily taxed assets when left to heirs other than a spouse? These accounts are subject to income taxes, which can significantly reduce the amount your loved ones receive, sometimes by as much as 37% or more.
By strategically designating Ketcha Outdoors as a direct beneficiary of these assets, 100% of your gift goes toward creating transformative outdoor experiences for children, with no federal income tax or estate tax reduction for the charity. This allows your legacy to stretch further, directly supporting our mission without being diminished by taxes.
A bequest is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to leave a lasting legacy. By including just a few specific sentences in your will or living trust, you can designate a portion of your estate to Ketcha Outdoors, ensuring that your passion for nature continues to benefit future generations, without affecting your current financial security.
- Easy to add or update at any time: You can modify your will or trust with a simple codicil or amendment as your circumstances or philanthropic goals evolve.
- Maintain full control of your assets during your lifetime: Your assets remain entirely at your disposal, providing you with financial flexibility and security throughout your life.
- Flexible to accommodate your family and financial needs: A bequest allows you to first ensure the financial well-being of your loved ones, then designate a gift that reflects your charitable wishes.
Giving appreciated securities directly to Ketcha Outdoors rather than selling them first and donating the cash can increase your giving power and reduce your tax burden significantly. It’s a win-win for both you and our outdoor education programs.
- Avoid capital gains tax: By donating these assets directly, you bypass capital gains taxes that would be incurred if you sold them first, potentially saving you up to 20% on the appreciation. This means 100% of your gift’s value goes to our mission.
- Receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the appreciated asset, provided you itemize deductions. This can significantly reduce your taxable income for the year.
- Create lasting impact today by immediately supporting our programs and initiatives, while preserving your cash flow for other needs and daily expenses.
Beyond traditional bequests, designating Ketcha Outdoors as a beneficiary on various accounts offers a remarkably quick, private, and flexible way to leave a meaningful legacy, often without the need for attorney involvement. These designations allow you to directly support our mission by simply completing a form provided by your financial institution.
- Avoids Probate: Assets transfer directly to Ketcha Outdoors outside of the probate process, saving time, maintaining privacy, and potentially reducing administrative costs.
- Maintains Control: You retain full control and access to your assets throughout your lifetime, providing you with financial security and flexibility.
- Specific Designation: You can designate a specific percentage or dollar amount, allowing you to tailor your gift precisely to your wishes and financial plan.
Our team is available to consult with you and your legal and financial advisors to help determine the best option for you and your family. We are here to help! Please contact Ian Tovell, Director of Development, at 207-883-8977 or itovell@ketchaoutdoors.org
