Capital Campaign
The Best Ways of Giving to the Phoenix ZOO Capital Campaign
By far, most of the gifts made to this capital development program are initially made through a PLEDGE CARD or Letter of Intent – typically payable over three years. Multi-year commitments are encouraged because they afford contributors the opportunity to make far more substantial gifts than would likely be the case if they were limited to making payment in full within a single year. Single one time gifts for specific projects or designations are also available.
Cash. Of the gifts made to the project, most are paid through cash (i.e. by check or even credit card). It is the easiest gift for a donor to make and for the campaign to receive. If you itemize your deductions, you may be entitled to an income tax deduction for all contributions in a given year up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income with a five-year carry-over period for the excess. Monthly BANK DRAFT through a bank account or debt card is also an option.
Stocks, Bonds. Assets such as these that have gone up in value are a great way to give. Depending on your portfolio, it may be timely to consider a gift of stocks. You can save on capital gains tax and may get a charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value. You can take the income tax deduction up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income and still carry-forward any excess up to five years.
Real Estate. Over the years, most real estate has appreciated faster than the rate of inflation and, therefore, can offer great potential for a charitable gift. The Board of Directors will consider accepting a gift of a home, vacation property, condominium, apartment complexes, undeveloped land, or other real estate in support of the campaign.
Tangible Personal Property. Gifts of assets such as cars, jewelry, boats, etc., are also welcomed. You generally get a tax deduction for the full fair market value (assuming the gift is considered for a related use).
Paid Up Life Insurance. If one owns an insurance policy that is no longer needed for its original purpose, it can be given to the campaign. The Phoenix Zoo then must become the owner of the policy. In general, the donor will be entitled to an income tax deduction for the surrender value and can deduct the amount of future premiums paid to the organization.
Charitable Lead Trusts. Through a transfer of cash, securities or real estate into a Charitable
Lead Trust, the campaign will receive income from the trust for a set number of years after which the trust principal is returned to the donor at the end of the term of the trust.
Members of the campaign leadership team or Development Department staff are available to assist donors in making a gift to the Phoenix Zoo that could be mutually beneficial to all parties within legal guidelines and tax benefit. Call the campaign office for more details 602-286-3881
