YOU CAN NOW MAKE THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME FROM YOUR IRA

(Sarasota – August 17, 2006) A federal law was just enacted allowing IRA owners to share the wealth of their retirement savings by giving directly to charity—without first counting it as income and paying income tax.

A provision in the new federal Pension Protection Act of 2006, signed by President Bush, creates a new option: transferring IRA assets directly to charity. By going directly to charity, the money is not included in the IRA owner’s income and—most importantly—is not taxed, preserving the full amount for charitable purposes. The law covers all gifts made this year and next.

In 2006 and 2007, holders of traditional and Roth IRAs who are at least 70 ½ years old can make direct charitable transfers up to $100,000 per year. As a qualified public charity, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County can help donors execute the transfers and choose from several charitable fund options for their gift. Donor Advised Funds do not qualify for tax-free IRA transfers.

“This really is a limited-time offer: the window is open now, but it will close in 2007 unless Congress extends it,” said Stearns. “For anyone interested in establishing a permanent legacy in our community, this is the opportunity of a lifetime to make the gift of a lifetime.”

Since 1974, millions of Americans have saved billions of pre-tax dollars in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Thanks to continued savings and investment returns, an estimated $3.6 trillion is currently invested in IRAs, and the total continues to grow.

The new law could be a boon to local philanthropy.

“This is a wonderful win-win—for people who would rather give to charity than pay taxes—and the nonprofit organizations they choose to support,” said Stewart W. Stearns, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Thanks to decades of deliberate saving and favorable investment returns, a substantial share of today’s retirees have more money in their IRAs than they’ll ever need. Many have expressed an interest in giving the funds to charity, but income tax must be paid on all withdrawals, which sharply reduces the value of the gift. Others have asked about designating their children as beneficiaries, but that may draw additional tax consequences.

“For larger estates, a good portion of IRA wealth goes to estate taxes and income taxes of beneficiaries,” Stearns said. “Experts estimate heirs will receive less than 25% of most IRA assets that pass through estates.”

Having more retirement money than you need is a great problem to have, and one that’s now easier to solve. But generous IRA donors still face multiple options for their gift: Support the entire community? Underwrite a special cause? Shore up a favorite charity? Here are three top charitable fund picks of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Unrestricted Fund: Meeting ever-changing community needs.

IRA transfers to the Unrestricted Fund address a broad range of current and future needs. We evaluate all aspects of community well-being—arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health and human services, animal welfare—and award strategic grants to select projects and programs.

Community Foundation President & CEO Stewart Stearns says: “For people who care deeply about this community and its people, this fund is an excellent way to address our most pressing needs, today and tomorrow.”

Field of Interest Fund: Connecting personal values to high-impact opportunities.

IRA transfers to Field of Interest Funds allow you to target gifts to causes important to you: arts, AIDS services, urban education, neighborhood revitalization, youth welfare, animal protection, the environment and more. The Community Foundation awards grants to community organizations and programs addressing your specific interest area.

Stearns Says: “For those who are particularly passionate about a single cause, Field of Interest Funds provide strategic, lasting support—even as needs change over time.”

Designated Fund: Helping local organizations sustain and grow.

IRA transfers to Designated Funds allow you to support the good work of a specific nonprofit organization—a senior center, museum, health organization, performing arts venue or any qualifying nonprofit charitable organization.

Stearns Says: “For people who want to help secure the future of their favorite charities, our endowed Designated Funds give nonprofits a steady stream of income, plus planned giving and investment management services.”

For more information about this charitable option for qualified IRA holders, please contact Stewart Stearns at 941-556-7112.