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Planned Giving
Project Open Hand accepts a wide variety of planned gifts from our generous donors. A planned gift is simply a gift from a donor who has provided for Project Open Hand through some form of estate planning. Most often, Project Open Hand receives planned gifts of bequests (a gift of cash or property left through a will) or charitable remainder trusts (a gift through a trust agreement established while the donor is still alive). In addition, donors can establish planned gifts by naming Project Open Hand as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or a retirement plan.
Planned gifts are an important source of income for Project Open Hand and we have received many gifts from our generous donors over the years - both large and small. Every gift helps to feed men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses.
Individuals who notify Project Open Hand that they have arranged for a planned gift become members of our Meals For Life Legacy Circle.
Before making your estate plans, you should consult with a qualified estate planner, financial planner and/or attorney.
Download our complete Estate Planning Brochure in Adobe Acrobat format.
Gifts By Will
A will is the easiest and most effective means to ensure that you fully provide for your family and that your assets are distributed as you wish. Gifts by will, or bequests, both large and small are important to Project Open Hand. Many friends have remembered Project Open Hand in their will while providing for their family at the same time. These bequests provide an important portion of Project Open Hand's funding each year.
A gift to Project Open Hand through your will has several advantages:
- Charitable gifts made through your will are 100 percent deductible for estate tax purposes. A charitable bequest may place your estate in a lower estate tax bracket.
- You may specify that your bequest is used for general purposes of Project Open Hand or for a particular area of interest.
- Once you notify Project Open Hand of your bequest intention, you qualify for membership in the Meals For Life Legacy Circle
Gifts by Charitable Remainder Trust
A trust is a legal agreement that specifies how the assets placed under the trust will be managed. The charitable remainder trust is an increasingly popular method to achieve a variety of goals while providing income for life and knowing that after your lifetime, the property remaining in the trust will be used by Project Open Hand as you specified. There are two types of charitable remainder trusts- the unitrust and annuity trust.
Unitrust - income fluctuates annually with the fair market value of the trust.
Annuity Trust - income payments are fixed and determined when the gift is made.
The advantages of a Charitable Remainder Trust are many. For example, you receive income for life, avoid capital gains tax if the trust is funded with appreciated securities, receive immediate charitable income tax deduction, the possibility of reducing your estate tax, and the satisfaction of supporting Project Open Hand.
These types of trusts allow you to attain your own personal financial objectives while making a significant gift to Project Open Hand. The best type for you depends on your own individual needs.
Meals for Life Legacy Circle
The Meals for Life Legacy Circle was established in 2000 to recognize the generosity of Project Open Hand's friends who have included us in their estate planning. Legacy Circle members receive recognition in our quarterly newsletter, Meal Times, and in the Annual Report. In addition, Legacy Circle members will receive regular updates about important developments at Project Open Hand and special invitations to Project Open Hand meetings and events.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions regarding any planned giving opportunities or the Meals for Life Legacy Circle please contact:
Bob Brenneman
Director of Development
730 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA. 94109
(415) 447-2410 (direct line)
(415) 447-2490 (fax)
Email: Major Gifts
