Legacy Giving

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Planned Giving for Food for the Soul

At Food for the Soul, we believe everyone deserves a hot meal, a warm bed, and a path to stability. For over 15 years, we have been a critical resource for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

While your immediate support allows us to serve meals and provide shelter today, Planned Giving is a powerful way for you to make a lasting impact that extends far beyond your lifetime.

By including Food for the Soul in your long-term financial and estate plans, you ensure that our critical mission to alleviate hunger and provide comfort continues for generations to come.

"It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than to watch it accumulate." — Gloria Steinem

What is Planned Giving?

Planned Giving is the process of making a major gift commitment that is arranged today but realized at a future date, often through your will or other financial instruments.

It is a flexible and powerful way to support Food for the Soul without impacting your current finances, while potentially providing significant tax benefits to you and your estate.

"Philanthropy is not about the money. It's about using whatever resources you have at your fingertips and applying them to improving the world." — Melinda Gates

Ways to Leave Your Legacy

Planning your gift doesn’t have to be complicated. There are several flexible ways to support Food for the Soul through your estate, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your personal financial goals and philanthropic vision.

1. Bequest in Your Will or Trust

  • The Simplest Option: You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate to Food for the Soul in your Will or Living Trust.
  • Action: Simply add specific language to your will.

2. Beneficiary Designation

  • Retirement Assets: Name Food for the Soul as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement plans. These assets can be highly taxed if passed to heirs but are tax-free when donated to a non-profit.
  • Life Insurance: Name Food for the Soul as a beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy, or donate a policy that you no longer need.
  • Action: Complete a simple Change of Beneficiary form provided by your plan administrator or insurance company.

3. Gifts of Stock or Appreciated Securities

  • Immediate Impact: Though not strictly a future gift, donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds is a highly effective giving method that can bypass capital gains tax on the appreciation while providing you with an immediate income tax deduction.
  • Action: Consult your Financial Advisor or Attorney

4. Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) and Remainder Trusts (CRTs)

  • A Gift That Gives Back: These options allow you to make a significant gift while receiving guaranteed, fixed income payments for life or a term of years. The remaining assets eventually pass to Food for the Soul.
  • Action: These are complex instruments that require consultation with an attorney or financial advisor.

5. Gifts of Real Estate

  • You can donate a primary residence, vacation home, or other property. You may qualify for an immediate income tax deduction, and if you donate your home but retain your right to live there for life ( a Retained Life Estate ), you receive a deduction today while you're still enjoying your home.
  • Action: Consult your Financial Advisor or Attorney

"The highest use of capital is not to make more money, but to make money do more for the betterment of life." — Henry Ford

Benefits of Planned Giving

  • Tax Advantages: Planned gifts often result in significant estate tax savings and potential income tax deductions.
  • Flexibility: You retain control over your assets during your lifetime.
  • Security for Food for the Soul: Your gift guarantees that we can budget for critical needs like facility maintenance, expanded programs, and long-term staffing.
  • Inspire Others: Your commitment encourages others to consider their own legacy of giving.

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." — Mother Teresa

Why Planned Giving Matters To Us

  • It allows us to Plan for major capital improvements ( like an expansion of our facility, or a new van for Love on the Go)
  • It ensures we can weather economic downturns and continue our food and shelter programs without interruption.
  • It supports expansion of services to reach more of our neighbors struggling with food insecurity and homelessness.

Join the Hope & Hearth Society

We recognize the forward-thinking generosity of individuals who have included Food for the Soul in their estate plans by welcoming them into our Hope & Hearth Society.

Membership is simple and free, and it comes with benefits:

  • Invitations to exclusive annual updates and recognition events.
  • Public recognition (if desired) in our annual report and on our website.
  • The profound satisfaction of knowing your legacy will provide hope and sustenance for decades to come.
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Take the Next Step

We understand that estate planning is a personal and important process. Food for the Soul is deeply grateful for your consideration.

If you have already included Food for the Soul in your plans, please let us know! Sharing this information allows us to thank you, enroll you in the Hope & Hearth Society, and ensure your gift is designated according to your wishes.

We strongly encourage you to consult with your financial advisor, estate planning attorney, or tax professional to determine the best plan for your unique situation.

For a confidential conversation or for our legal name and Tax ID (required for official documentation), please contact:

  • Tina Griggs
  • Executive Director

"Wealth is not to feed our egos, but to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves." — Andrew Carnegie