Group of adults sitting at a table reading YMCA brochure

Endowment

When you give to the Y, your gift will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood. In a world that changes so rapidly, the Y has been at the heart of communities for generations. The Y is a reliable, professionally managed organization guided by four core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Led by local volunteers, the Y is in touch with our community’s changing needs. A healthy Y capable of making a significant impact in the community is a gift we have received from prior generations. It is a gift we should pass along, in a stronger position, to future generations.

Many friends of the Y choose to help extend their values and the Y’s influence beyond their own lifetimes by gifting some of the assets they have accumulated to the Y’s permanent endowment fund. Donors can direct that their gifts support the overall work of that Y (which allows the board of directors to determine where funds are needed most) or designate them to support an area of major focus that will remain integral to the Y and the community it serves for future generations.

 

Endowment Fund Benefits

Depending on the type of gift and specific arrangements, donors to the YMCA endowment fund can expect some or all of these benefits:

  • Income tax savings through a tax deduction for the value of the charitable gift
  • Avoidance of capital gains tax by contributing certain kinds of property that have increased in value over time
  • Elimination of federal estate tax on the value of a gift passed to the Y upon the donor’s death
  • Reduced estate settlement costs

Horizon Club

Individuals who have made a meaningful gift to the YMCA endowment fund are recognized for their generosity and become members of the Horizon Club. Becoming a member of the Horizon Club requires a commitment, which now, or in the future, will add to the YMCA's Endowment Fund. Horizon Club members are recognized on a wall at the Sheboygan YMCA.

Planned giving opportunities to qualify for Horizon Club membership include:

Cash
Make an immediate donation and take a charitable deduction as provided by law.

Wills
Include the YMCA in a will and reduce estate taxes. Fixed amounts, specific assets or percentages of the estate may be specified. Another option is to name the YMCA as the recipient of the remainder of an estate, after all other expenses and specified contributions.

Appreciated Assets
Contribute appreciated assets, such as stock, real estate or personal property to the YMCA and receive a charitable deduction equal to the current value of the assets without capital gains tax.

Existing Life Insurance
Purchase a life insurance policy naming the YMCA as the beneficiary, and take a charitable deduction equal to the premium amount. Several plans are available in which a new policy can be fully paid in a period of five to seven years.

Trusts
Establish a Charitable Remainder Trust and you receive an immediate, federal income tax deduction for the present value of the assets expected to pass to charity, plus a lifetime payment stream.

The Y welcomes the opportunity to confidentially discuss one or more of these options with you. For more information, please contact our CEO, Mike Gustafson at 920-451-8000.