What Your Clients Can Give

Many kinds of personal assets can be converted into powerful contributions. Some examples are described here.

Because every donor's circumstances and goals are unique, advisors will typically want to discuss these and other ideas with their clients. Hartford Foundation staff can work with advisors if desired to help prospective donors evaluate their options. This information is also available as an information sheet for your clients. Click here for the complete list of available handouts.

Cash

Cash is the simplest asset to give, and your clients can deduct the value of their cash gifts up to 50 percent of their adjusted gross income on federal income tax returns. (Donations exceeding that limit may be carried over and deducted for up to five years following the year of the gift.)

Securities

Appreciated securities make a very effective charitable gift because donors can avoid the capital gains tax that would otherwise be imposed if the stock were sold. Generally, donors can deduct the fair-market value of stock up to 30 percent of their adjusted gross income, with a five-year carryover. Call the Foundation for transfer instructions for gifts of securities.

Bequests and Retirement Funds

The simplest way for your clients to give in the future is with a charitable gift in their will, revocable trust, or retirement fund. Your client retains full ownership and control of their assets during their life, and the gift comes to the Foundation on their death. There is the added benefit of an estate tax deduction for the value of the gift. In the case of retirement funds, the client may also avoid the tax of up to an astonishing 85 per cent that would be due if they left the remainder to their children or other heirs. Additionally, in 2006 and 2007, individuals aged 70 ½ and above may be able to take advantage of a limited-time opportunity to make lifetime gifts of IRA assets. Please click here for further details. We encourage donors to discuss their plans with Foundation staff to be sure we can fulfill their wishes; the discussion is confidential, and we understand that clients may change their plans in the future.

Real Estate

The Hartford Foundation can accept a gift of real estate, including your client's primary home, a vacation or second home, an apartment building, commercial property, or undeveloped land. Your clients may either make an outright gift or retain a lifetime right to live in the gifted property. All real estate gifts are reviewed by our Gift Acceptance Committee.

Closely-held Stock

If your clients own stock in a closely-held business, they may be able to use the stock to create a fund at the Hartford Foundation and benefit the company, too. Proposed contributions of closely-held stock are reviewed by our Gift Acceptance Committee.

Limited Partnership/Limited Liability Company Interest

Interests in limited partnerships and limited liability companies may be used to fund charitable gifts under certain circumstances. Such donations are reviewed by our Gift Acceptance Committee.

Life Insurance

A life insurance policy can be an excellent tool for charitable giving, enabling some people to make much larger gifts than they originally thought possible. Because the assignment of benefits to the Foundation is irrevocable, your client will want to make sure that his or her policy has outlived the purpose for which it was originally purchased.

Personal Property

Tangible personal property, such as antiques or precious metals, can make wonderful gifts. Deductibility for tax purposes may vary.