Planned Giving

Pam Adams is a retired nurse, mother, and grandmother and is still a very busy woman. She loves to keep up on the latest news and opinions and, when she's not involved herself, she follows the news and the thoughts of those not often heard on the U.S. corporate-sponsored media via her community radio station.

When not traveling or spending time with her grandchildren, Mrs. Adams volunteers her time at her local station. "I love going behind the scenes and helping out," she says.

According to Mrs. Adams, "Community broadcasting is a part of my family, and I want it to bring to my children and grandchildren the things that I treasure. And if I can help these children open their eyes and see the possibilities, I've done more than I ever dreamed of."

"Radio Activist" Mike Gahr

In addition to the emotional rewards of knowing what her gift means to something she loves, there are also long-term tax benefits because charitable bequests can reduce estate taxes (see bequest information). And there can be other tax benefits as well if the bequest involves appreciated assets.

Using funds from a retirement account to make bequests is often a good strategy. If there is a balance in your retirement account at your death, not only is there a potential income tax burden, but there may be estate taxes as well. Estimates are that taxes could eat up as much as 70-75% of retirement assets under certain circumstances. Careful planning concerning retirement funds needs to be done. Some additional information regarding retirement assets is available.

Another option to consider in making a gift is to use life insurance policies that are no longer needed or necessary. There are some different ways to make a gift of life insurance.

Mrs. Adams found her experience in providing support to community radio in the future enriched her heart and life today. Often donors are surprised by just how wonderful the giving experience can be.

Click here to meet Joyce and Burton.

Please note, individual financial circumstances will vary. The information on this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. Donor stories and photographs are for purposes of illustration only. As with all tax and estate planning, please consult your attorney or estate specialist. All material is copyrighted and is for viewing purposes only. Use of this site signifies your agreement with the terms of use. The content in this Planned Giving section has been developed for WMNF by Future Focus under an exclusive licensing arrangement with MajorGiving.com, LLC. Please report any problems to webmaster. Revised: May 16, 2005 15:24.