Smart Giving Strategies for Supporting Wood4Good

Many supporters choose charitable giving strategies that help provide warmth to Vermont families while also offering potential tax advantages. The following are common ways donors may be able to maximize both their impact and tax benefits.

Gifts of Appreciated Stock

Donating appreciated stocks, mutual funds, or other securities directly to Wood4Good may allow donors to:

  • Avoid capital gains taxes on the appreciation
  • Receive a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the asset
  • Increase the value of their gift compared to selling the asset first and donating the proceeds

For many donors, this is one of the most tax-efficient ways to support Wood4Good’s mission.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

Individuals age 70½ or older may be able to make gifts directly from an IRA to Wood4Good through a Qualified Charitable Distribution.

Potential benefits include:

  • Reducing taxable income
  • Satisfying all or part of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
  • Avoiding taxes that would otherwise be due on IRA withdrawals

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

A Donor-Advised Fund allows donors to make charitable contributions, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to organizations such as Wood4Good over time.

Benefits may include:

  • Immediate charitable tax deductions
  • Tax-free growth of invested assets within the fund
  • Flexible timing of charitable gifts

Many donors use DAFs to simplify their charitable giving and create a long-term giving plan.

Planned Gifts Through Your Will or Trust

A charitable bequest allows you to leave a lasting legacy by including Wood4Good in your estate plans.

Potential benefits include:

  • Supporting future generations of Vermonters in need
  • Possible estate tax advantages
  • Preserving other assets for family members

Even a small percentage of an estate can have a meaningful impact on Wood4Good’s future.

Retirement Account Beneficiary Designations

Naming Wood4Good as a beneficiary of an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or other retirement account can be a simple and tax-efficient way to leave a legacy.

Because charitable organizations generally do not pay income taxes on retirement account distributions, these assets can often provide a larger charitable impact than other inherited assets.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

For donors with highly appreciated assets, a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) may:

  • Provide income to the donor or family members
  • Potentially reduce or defer capital gains taxes
  • Generate charitable tax deductions
  • Support Wood4Good after the trust term ends

Gifts of Real Estate

Donating appreciated real estate, land, vacation property, or other real assets may allow donors to:

  • Avoid capital gains taxes
  • Receive charitable tax deductions
  • Eliminate ongoing ownership costs and responsibilities

Wood4Good welcomes conversations regarding potential real estate gifts and other non-cash assets.

Leave a Legacy of Warmth

Planned and tax-advantaged gifts help Wood4Good continue providing firewood, warmth, and hope to Vermont families facing heating insecurity. These gifts can create an impact that lasts for generations.

Because every donor’s financial situation is unique, Wood4Good encourages donors to consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, estate planning attorney, or financial planner before implementing any charitable giving strategy.

For more information about making a planned gift to Wood4Good, please contact us at Wood4Good.org.

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