Bequests

A bequest is a gift or donation to organizations made through your will or living trust. They can be a significant way to support charities, nonprofits, or other causes. When someone includes a bequest in their will, they state a particular amount of money, a percentage of their estate, or specific assets to be given to the organization upon death. It can be in cash, securities, real estate, or other assets and can be a specific amount, a particular asset, a percentage of your estate, or the residual balance. A planned gift is a long-term contribution, and encourages others to support a nonprofit organization.

The organization typically receives the bequest after the donor's death, once the estate is settled and any debts or taxes are paid. Bequests can ensure an organizations’ long-term sustainability. They also allow donors to make a meaningful impact, sometimes beyond their lifetime, and may offer potential estate tax benefits.

Making a Planned Gift

A planned gift is a lasting investment in the McLean County Arts Center, supporting our mission of encouraging and promoting the appreciation, study, cultivation, development, and practice of art for the benefit of all the people, cultures, and communities of McLean County. Incorporating the MCAC into your will or trust will ensure a lasting impact while preserving your financial stability. By using a planned gift, you can achieve your financial objectives and continue supporting the arts.

Including the McLean County Arts Center in your will or trust is a simple way to make a planned gift. You can designate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate (a residuary bequest) to the McLean County Arts Center. 

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), also known as a nonprofit IRA minimum distribution, allows individuals aged 70 1/2 or older to donate up to $100,000 annually directly from their traditional, rollover, or inherited IRA to a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization. This direct transfer can reduce taxable income and may help lower an individuals's tax bracket and overall tax liability. For those aged 73 or older, a QCD can count toward satisfying part or all of their required minimum distribution (RMD), offering a tax-efficient way to meet RMD obligations while supporting charitable causes. 

To initiate a QCD, individuals must contact their IRA custodian and request that the funds be sent directly to the designated charity. It's important that the distribution does not pass through the account holder to qualify. Starting in 2024, the $100,000 annual QCD limit will be indexed for inflation. Because QCDs can offer both tax advantages and philanthropic impact, individuals should consult a financial advisor to ensure this strategy aligns with their personal financial goals.