A planned gift incorporates philanthropy with estate and financial planning to benefit both you and The Little School. Planned gifts can provide many financial and non-financial benefits to you. These benefits may include all or some of the following; fulfillment of philanthropic goals, tax savings, asset management, income, security, and gifts to family.

Determining what gift is right for you is just as important as making the gift. Some of the options include:

Life Income Gifts

Donors transfer funds, securities or other property to The Little School while they and/or their beneficiaries continue to receive income for life from the trust or annuity established by the gift. Ultimately, the school receives the principal as a gift. Check with your financial planner regarding both the immediate and future tax advantages.

Remainder Gifts

Through a remainder gift, a donor contributes assets to the school and retain for life the income from those assets. In most cases, the donor takes an income tax charitable deduction for a portion of the value of the gift. Gifts in the form of appreciated securities or real estate, may also offer the donor exemption from capital gains tax on the appreciation.

Life Insurance

Donors may assign The Little School as owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy. The value of the policy (or the donor's investment in the value, if less) and any gifts to The Little School to cover premiums may be fully deductible as charitable contributions.

Wills or Bequests

Naming The Little School as a beneficiary in your will enriches the lives of many future generations of students. Wills can be amended through a simple supplement called a codicil without the necessity of redoing the original testament. Bequests may be for a specific amount, a percentage of the donor’s estate, or a residual portion. Your estate may receive a charitable estate tax deduction for the full amount of the gift.

Real Estate Gifts

Gifts of property donated to The Little School may take many forms including homes, farms, commercial buildings, subdivided or undeveloped lots, or fractional interest in property. In the case of a personal residence (including a vacation home), the donor may make a gift of property and reserve the right to occupy it for his or her life and/or for the life of a spouse. Real estate gifts may offer a variety of tax benefits.

Bank Account or Mutual Funds

If you have a bank account or mutual fund that you want to eventually pass on to The Little School simply place the words "in trust for The Little School" on the account. You continue to retain full ownership and control and can alter or revoke the account at any time. BeneficiaryYour will, insurance policy, retirement plan or trust can name The Little School as beneficiary. This method of giving permits you to benefit from your assets during your lifetime while making provisions for The Little School in the future.

Please consult with your financial planner regarding any potential tax benefits that may result from your planned gift as well as to determine what planned gift best meets the needs and interest of your family.

For further discussion on how to meet the needs of the school through planned giving, please contact Jenny Steen, Director of Development & Community Relations, at 425-827-4609 x112 or development@thelittleschool.org.