Planned Giving

What is meant by "planned giving"? A gift is "planned" to the extent that the donor purposefully integrates a charitable gift into the donor’s overall financial, tax, and estate planning. Planned giving is not just for end of life gifts; it is any gift that requires assistance from professional advisors on the part of the donor or the not-for-profit. Planned giving can provide a means to support the donor’s favored organizations or programs while possibly providing the donor’s estate a more favorable financial picture.  

What planned giving options exist? MCAS encourages and will handle bequests (naming Audubon in your will), or naming MCAS as a beneficiary in your life insurance policies or retirement accounts. Life income gifts (charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts), in which the donor receives income from the gift and may qualify for a tax advantage, will be handled by National Audubon Society (NAS). Any remaining funds will be split evenly between MCAS and NAS. MCAS can facilitate the referral to NAS for these types of gifts as well as other more complex types of gifts.

What wording should be used? MCAS suggests the following wording for bequests: "I bequeath to Morro Coast Audubon Society, a not-for-profit organization located in San Luis Obispo County, CA, ____ % of my residuary estate (or the sum of $_____) for its efforts to fulfill its mission."

ALL gifts will need the following information:

LEGAL NAME: Morro Coast Audubon Society
PHONE: (805) 772-1991
FEDERAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN): # 23-7165021
TAX STATUS: Morro Coast Audubon Society is a tax exempt organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All gifts and bequests are tax deductible.

How will the gifts be used? Unrestricted gifts will be placed in a "quasi-endowment" fund, which will be invested with the interest and/or only a portion of the fund used for chapter needs. This will enable the chapter to build endowment funds and ensure donors that their gifts will receive a kind of immortality. MCAS donors may choose between two quasi-endowment funds at this time: the MCAS SWEET SPRINGS FUND (for Sweet Springs Nature Preserve needs) or the MCAS GENERAL FUND (for education, programs, research, field trips, outreach, and other needs). More specific restricted gifts are also possible; contact MCAS for more information.

What types of gifts will be accepted? At this time, MCAS will readily accept cash, checks, and gifts of appreciated stocks. Other types of gifts may be accepted pending the recommendations of the MCAS financial committee.

Further questions? Call the MCAS Office and Outreach Center (805) 772-1991, email mcas@morrocoastaudubon.org, and/or contact your financial advisor or attorney to determine which planned giving option would be best for you.