Making a Planned Gift

Most people go through life with the best of intentions when it comes to charitable giving. The biggest problem they face however, is just how to turn those intentions into actions while still maintaining adequate resources for living. Most people also tend to procrastinate, to put things off until it is too late to do something they wanted to do. Oftentimes donors want to make what is called a “planned” gift to the YMCA. A planned gift is one which is larger than any other they have ever given and is usually “planned” to be given at the conclusion of one’s life. You should know that there are several possibilities when considering a planned gift to the YMCA of Greater Westfield: such as a bequest, a gift of property (i.e. real estate, art, jewelry, etc.), life insurance, securities, a share of the residue of your estate, the remainder of a trust, and many others. Your financial planner or attorney can advise you on what would be best for you, so that you fulfill all your philanthropic and estate planning goals. Whether you are single, married, raising a family, retired, or planning your retirement, your future and the future of those you care about most should be reflected in the plans you make today. The best plan will balance what you want to accomplish for yourself, your family, and your charitable interests. Each planned giving vehicle offers different options, whether it be income orientation, frequency of payment to the donor, beneficiary income, taxation, income tax deduction, final disposition, etc. The best way to begin is by doing some pre-planning, Make a list of the people you want to include in your plan – family, special friends, and charitable interests. Then list all the property you wish to distribute – securities, real estate, life insurance, retirement plans, and personal possessions. Next, consider ways to match the people with the property. Finally, list any professionals may need to consult – your attorney, banker, financial planner, accountant, investment advisor or representatives of charities. With thorough planning it is possible to meet multiple goals. By choosing the best property to fund gifts, their timing, and the methods used to make them, it is possible to make sizable gifts with a big impact while preserving or actually enhancing your financial well-being. You can also arrange a planned gift so that your support will continue in perpetuity.

Partners With Youth 2010

Each year we see children and young people coming into the YMCA to participate in programs but their families cannot afford the costs. Because of our long-standing policy of never turning anyone away due to inability to pay, we hold our annual Partners with Youth Campaign to solicit donations from individuals and businesses in the communities within the YMCA’s service area. These funds go directly to provide financial assistance or “scholarships”. Last year we provided scholarships to over 400 children and youth for programs ranging from childcare to camperships to leadership to sports activities.
Members and friends of the YMCA volunteer their time and effort in order to raise as much money as possible because they believe strongly in our commitment to never turn anyone away due inability to pay. These solicitations are carried out in person or via telephone conversation and each “prospect” is asked to make a pledge of support. The campaign actually runs from January through December, so pledges can be made early in the campaign and paid off by the end of the year.
Because people in the communities we serve realize the vital importance of providing children with safe, sensible, and pleasant activities in order to steer their lives in the right direction, they support our annual Partners with Youth Campaign. Our programs help build character and offer healthy resources for physical and mental activities.
We’d like to invite you to invest in the future of our communities by providing scholarships for needy children and youth at the YMCA by mailing your tax deductible contributions to: Partners With Youth, YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Or, you may drop off your check at the front desk at the YMCA.
We’re all in this “community” together and together we can make the future a little brighter by helping children and youth participate in the many programs and activities of the Greater Westfield YMCA.