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 mericans give - more than any other group in the world we share our wealth. Our donations of time through volunteer efforts support the 125,000 separate charities in the United States. And our donations of money amount to almost $150 billion each year.Putting a portion of your wealth to work for the good of others is rewarding in many ways. Psychologically, you experience the pleasure of giving back to the community. Emotionally, you experience the pleasure of giving. Economically, you receive tax benefits. Intellectually, you recognize that giving supports American freedoms. But like many good things in life, charitable giving can have complications. Many charities soliciting your patronage, with no easy way to select among them. Time spent on investing and making good decisions about recipients. Cost of administration. Pressures to choose charities by year-end to receive current tax benefits - but no time or inclination to do so. Loss of control over your gifts when charities change their policies or philosophy. If you wish to give, but you're too busy living your life to become a charitable giving expert, you should consult with your advisors about how you can use The American Gift Fund - a sensible alternative for philanthropy.
Donors make gifts to the Fund when it is most convenient for them by contributing cash or appreciated securities. Gifts may be lump sums or regular contributions. Because all gifts to the Fund are unconditional and irrevocable, they qualify for an immediate deduction for federal income, estate and gift tax purposes. The Fund maintains records for each donor account, and provides quarterly reports of all contributions, grants to charities and the current account value. Donors may specify any reasonable name for their account, such as the Wright Family Foundation or the Carlson Scholarship Fund. Donors and other persons they name may recommend at any time one or more charities to receive grants from their account at the Fund. The minimum grant is $1,000. Standing instructions may be established, and changed if desired. You may even change your charitable requests through a designated family member or agent after your death or incapacity. All grants made from the account will be identified to the receiving charities as coming from the account, unless the donor requests anonymity. The Fund's directors select and oversee the performance of professional investment managers for all of the Fund's assets, which are invested to pursue one of three investment objectives recommended by the donor. The trustee of the Fund is RBC Trust Company (Delaware) Limited, which has provided personal trust services in partnership with professional advisors nationwide since 1914. The three choices for donor accounts are: |  |
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he American Gift Fund is a tax-qualified public charity which receives donations from Americans nationwide and makes grants to numerous charities.