Ways to Give Smarter
Charting your legacy takes care, thought and heart. Give smarter to make a difference for a better Rouge River today and for generations to come. Thoughtful charitable planning may reduce your tax burden while meeting your philanthropic goals to create a more vibrant River and world for you and your loved ones.
Gifts that cost you nothing now
Gifts by Will and Living Trusts
Include a bequest in your will or trust and your gift will make extraordinary things possible for a better River and world.
Named Beneficiary
Designate Friends of the Rouge as a direct beneficiary on IRAs, bank accounts, life insurance policies, etc., as an easy way to better your hometown River.
Gifts that may reduce your taxes
Qualified Charitable Distribution
Gifts from IRAs may offer tax advantages and are an excellent way to make a difference for your hometown River. Starting at the age of 70 1/2, you are eligible to contribute up to $100,000 from your required minimum distribution to a qualified charity like Friends of the Rouge. Because the IRA goes directly to Friends of the Rouge, you avoid tax and your distribution will make a cleaner and more vibrant Rouge River ecosystem possible.
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
If you have a donor-advised fund, consider recommending a grant to Friends of the Rouge at any time to support vital action and education for your hometown River!
Gifts of Appreciated Assets
Your gift of appreciated assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate produces a charitable tax deduction and can provide relief from capital gains tax. Contact Lara Edwards or Karen Hanna at Friends of the Rouge today if you would like to make a gift of appreciated assets.
Gifts that may pay you an income
At the time a gift is made to an annuity or trust, you are entitled to a charitable income tax deduction, in addition to guaranteeing income for life.
Charitable Remainder Trust
A charitable remainder trust is a separate vehicle into which you transfer your gift of cash or appreciated assets. You or your beneficiaries will receive income from the trust annually for a term or life while receiving tax savings and providing future support for the Rouge River.
Charitable Gift Annuities
Transfer money or appreciated assets, like marketable securities, to a charitable gift annuity and receive income for life – a portion of which may be tax-free!
Gifts that make an impact now
Employer Match
With a matching gift from your employer, you can double and possibly triple your impact for a better Rouge River!
Cash
Every gift is vital. Every caring donation makes a difference. Every donor is dear. Thank you Friend, for choosing to make a difference with Friends of the Rouge. It is an honor to serve you and work alongside you for a better world.
Gifts that make an impact forever
Endowment Fund
Give a gift that lasts generations. Your charitable gift and your impact will grow in perpetuity in the Friends of the Rouge Endowment Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
Endowment Sub Fund
Celebrate a milestone or honor a loved one or cherished friend with a sub fund in the Friends of the Rouge Endowment!
If you would like to discuss your intended gift with Friends of the Rouge, you are warmly welcome to reach out to Lara Edwards – ledwards@therouge.org or 734-927-4908 or Karen Hanna – khanna@therouge.org or 734-927-4902.
Friends of the Rouge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity registered in the U.S. under EIN: 38-2672879.
Friends of the Rouge will never give, sell, or trade your personal information to any other group.
The information on this website is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult with a financial advisor, attorney, or tax advisor when making philanthropic plans.