Spotlight on Giving

A Thoughtful Way to Give and Receive 

Many people reach retirement wanting two things—dependable income and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. If that describes your situation, it might be worth exploring the many benefits of a charitable gift annuity (CGA). This gift not only supports our work but also provides guaranteed income payments for life along with attractive tax advantages.

Is a CGA Right for You?

For many donors, this gift offers a useful way to meet both financial and charitable goals. You may find a CGA especially appealing if you:

• Are looking for additional dependable income during retirement
• Own appreciated stock and want to put it to work without paying the capital gains tax
• Want to support our mission while maintaining financial security
• Prefer the simplicity of fixed, guaranteed payments to the uncertainty of investments
• Are well into retirement—your income payment amount increases with age

How a CGA Works

A CGA allows you to make a gift of cash or property—typically appreciated assets like stock—in return for guaranteed payments to you and/or another individual for life. Your payout rate is based on the annuitant’s age when the gift is established, so older annuitants generally receive a higher rate.

With gifts of cash or stock, payments can begin immediately or at a future date you choose. A future start date may also result in a higher payment amount. 

Donors age 70½ and older also have the option to make a one-time IRA distribution of up to $55,000 (in 2026) from an IRA to create a new CGA. Married couples may combine their individual distributions to create a joint-life CGA. 

Benefits Beyond Lifetime Income

Depending on how you fund the CGA, you may qualify for valuable tax benefits. Gifts of cash or appreciated stock may generate a charitable income tax deduction (subject to limitations), and appreciated securities may allow you to spread the capital gains tax over time.

A qualified charitable distribution from an IRA can also convert retirement assets into a lifetime income stream. The gift is excluded from your taxable income and counts toward your required minimum distribution if one is due.

This May Be a Good Time to Explore a CGA

If you’ve been thinking about creating dependable lifetime income while making a meaningful charitable gift, today’s favorable payout rates make a CGA worth considering. 

Click to learn more about how a CGA works, access a calculator to get an idea of your possible payment amount, and see whether this gift option could help you achieve your financial and charitable goals.