Many ways to give

Learn About the Various Ways to Give Through the Foundation

We accept a wide variety of assets and can facilitate even the most complex forms of giving.

Gifts from Wills and Living Trusts

Including a charitable bequest in your will or living trust is a simple way to make a lasting gift to your community. When you make this gift through Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, we establish a special fund that benefits the community forever and becomes your personal legacy of giving. Note that designating a gift or portion of your estate to the Foundation may result in a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes.

Bequests are subject to a one-time 2% support fee which helps the Foundation provide our services to the community.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Giving through a charitable remainder trust allows you to convert low- or non-productive appreciated assets to an income stream for yourself or a loved one, without paying capital gains taxes when the assets are sold. You or your designated beneficiary receive income during your lifetime, knowing that whatever remains will benefit your community after you are gone. These trusts are usually funded with appreciated property, most often real estate (such as no-longer-used vacation homes or commercial property you no longer wish to manage) or holdings of publicly-traded securities that need to be redeployed to produce more income.

You receive multiple income tax benefits in the year you establish your trust, and the principal grows tax-free within the trust over its term.

Contact Sam Leask for help in deciding which trustee option is best for you.

Charitable Gift Annuities

Get income today and give a gift tomorrow. A charitable gift annuity allows you to arrange for a generous gift to your community while providing yourself with a new cash flow you can count on for the rest of your life. You can make a gift of cash or appreciated stock to the Foundation now, get an immediate tax deduction, and ensure that you (or a loved one you designate) receive fixed quarterly or annual payments for life.