Giving Strategies
There’s more than one way to give.
There are many ways to make a difference in Merrick County and beyond. While cash is often the most familiar way to give, charitable gifts can take many forms — including stock, grain, real estate, retirement assets and more.
At Merrick Foundation, we work with donors to find giving options that fit their goals and connect their generosity with the people, places and causes that matter most to them.
Cash
Sometimes simple is best. Cash gifts can be made to any existing fund at Merrick Foundation or used to help establish a fund for a cause that matters to you.
Stocks & Securities
Gifts of appreciated stock or other securities can be a tax-smart way to support the organizations and causes you care about. By donating appreciated assets directly, you may avoid capital gains taxes on the increased value while also qualifying for a charitable deduction.
Grain & Commodities
For many agricultural families, a gift of grain can be a meaningful and tax-efficient way to give back to the community. By gifting grain directly rather than selling it and donating the proceeds, farmers may avoid recognizing the sale as taxable income while still deducting eligible production expenses. Merrick Foundation works with your local elevator to make the process simple.
IRA Assets
If you are 70½ or older, you may be able to make a gift directly from your IRA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). By sending the gift directly from your IRA to Merrick Foundation, the distribution generally isn’t included in your taxable income and may also count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD), if applicable.
Real Estate & Farmland
Real estate, including farmland, a home or other property, can be a meaningful way to make a charitable gift. Donating appreciated property may provide tax benefits, including avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation, while allowing you to turn an important asset into lasting support for the causes you care about.
Life Insurance
Life insurance can provide a simple way to leave a charitable legacy. By naming Merrick Foundation or a specific fund as a beneficiary of all or a percentage of your policy, you can make a future gift without affecting the assets available to you today. Beneficiary designations can also be updated as your plans change.
Retirement Accounts
IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement accounts can be an effective way to make a future charitable gift. By naming Merrick Foundation or a specific fund as a beneficiary, you can support the causes you care about while potentially providing tax advantages compared with leaving retirement assets to individual heirs.
Estate Gifts
A gift through your will or trust can create an impact long beyond your lifetime. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate or other assets to Merrick Foundation or a particular fund, allowing you to support the community, organizations or causes that have been important to you.
Not sure where to start?
Every donor and every gift is different. We’re happy to visit with you about the options available and work alongside you and your professional advisors to find an approach that fits your goals.
