Giving to an organization which supports your charitable ideals is the best way to invest in your community.  Community Link’s programs and services offer so many people a chance at independent living, that an investment in the agency says that you want to contribute to the lives of people with disabilities.

Your gift is a strong indicator of the type of person you are, the type of family you come from.  Community Link promises to act as a good steward of your gift, to use your gift efficiently and effectively, according to your values. 

Here are the ways you can contribute:

Cash

A direct gift of cash or a check is the simplest giving option.  It is also tax-deductible up to 50% of the adjusted gross income limit.

Appreciated Stocks

When you donate stock, the IRS allows you to take a tax deduction on the fair-market value of your gift, providing you have held the stock for more than 12 months.  Mutual Funds may also be donated and are subject to the same rules.

Other Assets

Real Estate, artwork, insurance policies, automobiles, boats, time-share units, clothing, and other tangible goods can qualify as donations.  Community Link will benefit by the sale of such items while you enjoy a charitable donation without paying capital gains.

Pro-Bono Services

Lawyers, doctors, accountants, and others often donate valuable services to nonprofit organizations.  Your time, like that of all volunteers, is not tax deductible, but your expenses, including mileage allowances, are.

Matching Funds

Many companies will match charitable contributions made by their employees, a practice that magnifies the value of individual contributions.  Check with your Human Resources Manager to see how you might leverage a larger gift through your company’s giving policies. 

Charitable Remainder Trust

A CRT is perfect for the donor who wants a guaranteed income stream each and every year.  Regardless of the performance of the trust, the income is paid each year without change.  Upon your death (or the death of your heir) the remainder of the trust’s assets is distributed to Community Link. 

Wills

This legal document enables you to make charitable bequests as you plan for the disposal of your assets upon your death.

Insurance

Community Link may be named as sole or partial beneficiary on your life insurance policies.  It may also be names as owner of a policy, which allows you to deduct your premiums.  Potentially, this tool could cost very little to give Community Link a lot when you die.

Endowments

Endowments are meant to sustain an organization for the future, not to provide funds for the present.  If your charitable goal is to make sure that Community Link’s services are available in the future for loved ones or neighbors who will need services yet to come, this is the option for you.  The principal of an endowment remains intact and is invested to earn interest for the endowed organization.  You can contribute to Community Link’s future by setting up your own endowment—typically a large gift.

To find out more about Community Link’s giving options, please call Community Link’s Funding Development Coordinator, Tracy Hermanson at 618-526-8800.  She will be happy to answer all your questions and put you in contact with a financial advisor if you need one.  If you are interested in touring Community Link’s facilities and seeing the programs up close and in action, please call.  We would love to have you.