THE MEF LEGACY SOCIETYIn the end, each of us is remembered for our acts – for the lives we touch and the causes we advance. In 2016, members of the Forum's Executive Committee established The Foundation for the Middle East Forum (FMEF) to ensure the Forum's long-term viability. The Foundation was seeded with a million dollars: half a million from the Forum's general operating fund and another half a million from the Foundation's Board of Governors. The Foundation, treated as a restricted project, has its own governing board composed of select Forum board members and other donors. The Forum asks its donors to consider creating a lasting legacy by including MEF in their estate plans. To learn more about making a charitable bequest to the Forum, please contact Gregg Roman, by calling 215-546-5406 ext. 104 or emailing Roman@MEForum.org. Planned GivingYour gift will enhance the Forum's capabilities while allowing you to transfer more wealth to your heirs at a lower cost. Each of the following 4 methods serves a different purpose and fits a specific investment plan:
Please inform us of your intention to plan your giving, so we can recognize you as a member of the MEF Legacy Society and work with you, your family, and your financial advisor to develop a personalized approach. 1. CHARITABLE BEQUESTSA bequest does not cost you anything during your lifetime and can lessen the tax burden on your heirs. You retain full ownership and control of your assets during your life; the gift goes to the Forum only upon your death. There is the added benefit of an estate tax deduction for the value of the gift. How to donate with a charitable bequest:
2. LIFE INSURANCEThe multiplier effect of a charitable gift of life insurance helps the Middle East Forum beyond your personal finances. The endowed gift will be substantially larger than the amount used to fund the insurance policy. Proceeds pass directly to MEF free of federal income and estate taxes, probate, and administrative costs, and without delay, fees, or transfer costs. Gifts of life insurance are especially affordable for younger donors, allowing an opportunity to make sizable gifts. How to donate life insurance:
3. RETIREMENT PLANSDesignating the Middle East Forum as a beneficiary of your retirement plan allows a substantial donation at a minimum cost to your family. IRAs, 401Ks, and Keogh Plans are all subject to estate and income taxes, but gifting it to a charity avoids these taxes. This type of gift is easy and can be done at no cost. Note that your beneficiary can be changed at any time. How to donate a Retirement Plan:
4. CHARITABLE TRUSTSThere are three ways to set up a trust. Each one serves a different purpose. Charitable Remainder Trust: This highly-recommended estate planning tool allows you to donate your assets to the Forum while providing an income stream to you and your family. A charitable remainder trust has significant tax advantages for your children and beneficiaries during your lifetime. How to donate a charitable remainder trust:
Charitable Lead Trust: This is an outstanding way to give charity today, eventually leaving the asset to your heirs. It transfers assets to your heirs with significant tax advantages while making a gift to the Middle East Forum. Appreciated real estate is often an excellent asset to place in a charitable trust. How to donate a charitable lead trust.
Retained Life Estate: This allows you to donate a home to the Middle East Forum and take a substantial tax deduction while retaining the right to live in it for the rest of your life. How to donate a retained life estate:
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Your support helps further our mission of educating Americans about the Middle East and influencing U.S. policy towards that region. The MEF offers different benefits in exchange for your support. Click here to learn more about what you receive when donating to the Forum. A gift in perpetuity expresses an enduring commitment to our cause. Click here to learn about Planned Giving and the MEF Legacy Society. You can give more, for less. Donating appreciated stock has several advantages. Click here to learn how to make the most of your securities. MEF offers several options to donors to make a contribution. Click here to learn about the different ways you can make a gift. |