You Can Make a Difference in the Lives that Follow
(Gifts, Annuities and Pledges to Support Care giving)

A meaningful opportunity for an enduring remembrance of a loved one, such as parents, grandparents, a spouse or a family name exists at Lee IVC. An endowment fund was set up through the Southwest Florida Community Foundation in December of 1997 under the name of Fort Myers Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Program, Inc. In January of 2000, Fort Myers Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program, Inc. filed a d.b.a. application as Lee Interfaith Caregivers. This name better defines the area we serve (Lee County) rather than just Fort Myers.

With the assistance of a volunteer financial planner, we have expanded the methods by which we may receive your gifts. As a 501(c)(3) organization, your gifts are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. Following are brief explanations of these methods, and we will gladly provide additional information if requested.

 Stocks/Securities

Your gift of stocks or bonds which you have held for more than a year is tax deductible at fair market value. If you are holding stock purchased at $1,000 several years ago and it is valued at $3,000 today, your donation allows you to claim the full $3,000 deduction owing no capital-gains tax on the $2,000 appreciation.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

A Charitable Remainder Trust established by a certified financial planner or attorney enables the transfer of assets in a manner which enables you to receive income from the trust for your lifetime. At the time of your death, the remaining assets of the trust would pass on to Lee Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers free of estate taxes.

 Wills/Bequests

A will is another way you can leave a legacy to Lee Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. Your bequest will help assure the continuity of mission outreach to our elderly.

Real Property

If you wish to donate art, jewelry, antiques or items valued greater than $5,000 we recommend you have it appraised if you plan to use it as a deduction. For motor vehicles, as long as the claimed value is less than $5,000, no appraisal is needed and for tax purposes, may be valued at NADA Blue Book fair market value.

 Insurance Policies

You can name Lee Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers as the beneficiary of a paid-up insurance policy. You also can take out a new life insurance policy naming Lee Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers as the owner of the policy. During your lifetime, you make the premiums directly to the Lee Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, who in turn make the payments to the insurance company. As you are issuing your check to the Lee Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers rather than the insurance company, the premiums qualify as a tax deduction.

 Gift Annuities

For donors who wish to give something now, but still require a lifetime income in the form of interest off that gift and who want a tax deduction, the gift annuity may be for you. These funds differ from Charitable Remainder Trusts in that your assets pass into the control of our 501(c)(30 prior to your death.

 Endowment Funds

By establishing a philanthropic endowment fund, you may participate in the allocations and witness the fruits of Lee Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. The tax advantages are that there is no tax on income earned, we handle administrative functions and you or anyone else can contribute to the endowment and still enjoy the tax deduction.

 Special Occasion Recognitions

You may recognize baptisms, weddings, births, deaths or other special moments in life with gifts made in honor or in memory of a loved one.

 In-Kind Gifts

If you have professional skills, your donation of service is just as important as providing financial support. If you own a business, perhaps you have office supplies, office furniture, file cabinet, a LaserJet printer, lumber for building wheelchair ramps, paint or other "dream team" supplies. Your business may value the donation at its retail value for tax purposes.