Life Stage Gift Planner™

Under Age 45

For the charitably inclined, certain types of gifts can provide solutions to taxing problems:

Cash, check, and credit card
A gift of cash is easy to make, and the gift is not subject to gift or estate tax. A contribution of cash or by a check that is postmarked in December is deductible for that tax year—even if Cranbrook receives it in January—provided the account against which the check was written had sufficient funds to cover it in December. A contribution by credit card must be made by December 31 in order to be deductible for that tax year.

Gifts of appreciated securities
A charitable gift of long-term appreciated securities can provide a double benefit—an immediate income-tax deduction for the full fair-market value of the securities and the avoidance of capital-gain tax.

Life insurance
A gift of life insurance can be an excellent way to make a substantial gift on the installment plan, and if you irrevocably transfer full ownership of the policy to Cranbrook, you are entitled to an income-tax deduction for each premium payment.

Charitable bequest
If you would like to make a substantial gift to charity but you do not have the current disposable income or assets to do so now, consider a charitable bequest.

Retirement-plan benefits
It is quite likely that your retirement-plan benefits will be your single largest asset, and naming us as one of your beneficiaries can benefit your family and support your charitable intentions.