GIVING
Thank you for your interest. The information found on this page will help you navigate the many ways you can support our work.
DONOR PROGRAMS
Unless otherwise designated, all gifts received through our Annual Donor Program are treated as unrestricted gifts.
Why are unrestricted gifts critical to our work? Our communities’ needs are constantly changing and evolving. Today’s concerns give way to tomorrow’s issues. A robust operating fund allows the Telluride Foundation to continue to strategically and efficiently address the communities’ most pressing needs. Unrestricted gifts also support the Foundation’s Community Grants Program which awards on average $1.4M annually supporting 70+ regional nonprofits.
By giving an unrestricted gift, donors can be assured their charitable gift will always serve a vital purpose, even as the community changes and evolves. Unrestricted gifts can be made through the Foundation’s multi-tiered donor program:
TELLURIDE FRIENDS
Friends of Telluride donors give a minimum of $30,000 annually for 4 years.
GOLD HILL
Gold Hill donors give a minimum of $10,000 annually for 4 years.
BRIDAL VEIL
Bridal Veil donors give a minimum of $2,500 annually for 4 years.
FIRST TRACKS
First Tracks donors give a minimum of $1,500 annually for 4 years.
GIFTS OF STOCK
Donating a gift of stock you have owned for a number of years can be particularly advantageous from a tax perspective. If you sell stock you have owned for more than one year, you are subject to a capital gains tax on any increase in value. However, by making a gift of the stock to the Foundation you avoid tax on this gain. In addition, your charitable contribution deduction is equal to the full fair market value of the stock. This amount is generally deductible up to 30% of your adjusted gross income.
GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE
A gift of real estate can be tax-wise. Real estate in the form of a residence, vacation home, ranch or land may have significantly appreciated in value through the years and its sale would mean a sizable capital gains tax. By making a gift of this property you would avoid the capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property. The IRS requires an independent, qualified appraisal of your property if you wish to claim a deduction.
RETIREMENT PLANS
You can name the Telluride Foundation as a beneficiary of your Individual Retirement Plan (IRA), Keogh plan, 401(k), 403(b), or other qualified pension plan. You may name the Foundation as beneficiary for part or all of what remains in your retirement account. The proceeds of these plans are distributed outside of the probate and are entirely free from federal estate tax.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY
This contract with the Telluride Foundation pays you from your gift trust a set quarterly payment for your life. Annuity rates are based on the ages of the income beneficiaries. Individuals typically establish a gift annuity that is not concerned about inflation and who would prefer to receive a fixed payment for life. Minimum gift size is $5,000. Cash or securities are preferred types of gifts.
DEFERRED GIFT ANNUITY
A variation of the charitable gift annuity a Deferred Gift Annuity allows you to receive an income tax deduction at the time of your gift, but your income payments are deferred for at least one year. Minimum age for payments to begin is 50 years.
With the exception of the Deferred Gift Annuity, the Foundation reserves its life income gift arrangements for those donors age 50 years and older.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST
Individuals who wish to diversify their assets through a trust typically use a Charitable Remainder Trust.
Charitable Remainder Trusts are irrevocable gift trusts that actually provide for and maintain two sets of beneficiaries. The first set is the income beneficiaries (you and, if married, a spouse). Income beneficiaries receive a set percentage of income for your lifetime from the trust. The second set of beneficiaries is the charities you name. They receive the principal of the trust after the income beneficiaries pass away.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUSTS
Like a Charitable Remainder Trust, Charitable Lead Trusts offer current income tax deductions and a reduction of capital gains taxes. The difference is that the parties involved are interchanged. Charities receive a steady stream of income during the term of the trust. At the end of the trust, you or even your heirs can receive the assets. And just like the remainder trust, Charitable Lead Trusts also receive preferential tax treatment.
As a general background for both Trusts, contributions of property (other than publicly traded securities) with a fair market value in excess of $5,000 ($10,000 for gifts of non-publicly traded securities) require a qualified appraisal from a qualified appraiser and must attach an “appraisal summary” (Form 8283) to his or her federal income tax return. The tax laws impose strict requirements for qualified appraisals. For example, the qualified appraisal must be made not more than 60 days prior to the date of the gift or at any time after the gift up to the date of filing of the donor’s federal income tax return. Minimum gift size is $50,000 or $100,000 for gifts of real estate.
Additional unique opportunities for giving may exist that meet your estate planning needs. In all cases, please contact the Foundation and a trusted financial and legal advisor for advice particular to your situation.
For more information, please email info@telluridefoundation.org.