You can establish your own Foundation fund either during your lifetime or through your estate plan. All grants distributed from your fund today and in the future are awarded to charities, as determined by you, in the name of your fund.

Your gift to the Hamilton Community Foundation may be made in many forms.

Vehicles for giving:

• A cash gift is tax deductible as provided under current law.
• Donations of appreciated publicly-traded securities  are accepted. This type of gift avoids capital gains tax and allows the maximum tax deduction for the full market value of the gift. The Foundation also accepts  closely-held stock  and limited partnership interests.  HCF Stock Transfer Instructions
• A bequest in your will is a simple way to leave a lasting legacy.
• A  life insurance policy  can be changed to designate the Foundation as the owner and/or beneficiary of a policy.
• Retirement fund accounts are often your largest asset. You can give all or part of these assets to the Foundation, both during your lifetime and/or at your death.
  • Charitable IRA Rollover  - Options to donate Required Minimum Distributions from IRA for donors who are 70 1/2
• Real estate  can be donated to the Foundation and deducted at full fair market value, up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. The Foundation sells the real estate and the net proceeds capitalize a new fund or are added to an existing fund. Similarly,  tangible personal property  can be donated to the Foundation, which is also then sold.
• A charitable remainder trust  allows you (or other named beneficiaries) to receive lifetime income. Upon your death, the remaining principal creates a fund at the Foundation. You receive an immediate charitable deduction for a portion of the gift and avoid capital gains tax.
• A charitable lead trust  creates income for the Foundation for a specified period, after which the remaining principal is distributed to named beneficiaries. Gift and estate taxes are reduced with this type of gift.
• A charitable gift annuity  is a way to make a gift to the Foundation, and still receive an income for yourself or others. A donor agrees to contribute cash, stock or other assets to the Foundation, and in return, receives a fixed annuity payment for life, plus tax benefits. At the death of the donor, a portion of each annuity gift is used to create a charitable fund at the Foundation.
• Transfer of a private foundation  affords you many advantages, including lower overhead, staff to assist with your charitable goals, and a higher tax deduction for any future gift, to name only a few.