Planned Giving

Photo Credit: Jon Henn

Planned Giving

Photo Credit: Jon Henn

Who can make a planned gift?

Many consider planned giving a luxury reserved for a rich few. They’re wrong.

Planned giving is the process of making a significant charitable gift during a donor’s life or at death that is part of his or her financial or estate plan.  Regardless of how much or how little money you have, a will, trust or beneficiary designation ensures that whatever assets you have will go to the beneficiaries you designate.

Having your finances clarified often means being able to donate more in future years, including the near future.

Flexible and simple

Leaving a legacy is one of the most powerful and lasting gestures to ensure your memory and your passion for prairies and other natural areas remains alive forever.

Planned and estate gifts provide extraordinarily flexible and simple ways to meet your philanthropic and financial goals, no matter what your state in life, financial circumstances or charitable vision!

If you wish to name TPE in your estate plan, we should be named as:
The Prairie Enthusiasts, Inc., a Wisconsin nonprofit corporation, with a current address of PO Box 824, Viroqua, WI 54665.

Many options to make a planned gift

There are numerous vehicles for doing planned giving. You should discuss your options with your attorney or financial planner.

Helpful Information

Donors age 70 1/2 or older can make a gift directly to The Prairie Enthusiasts from their IRA without paying federal income tax on the withdrawal.

It is important to check with your tax advisor before making a donation for tax impact reasons.

The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Federal Tax Identification Number: 

39-1601574

IRS 990 forms for 2021:

TPE   TPE Trust

If you have named loved ones, TPE, or other charities as beneficiaries of your retirement account, be sure to let them know. Many financial institutions do not inform beneficiaries of gifts after the account owner has passed away.

Sample bequest language for a will, trust or beneficiary designation:

I give [the sum, percentage, or description of property] to The Prairie Enthusiasts, Inc., a Wisconsin nonprofit corporation, with a current address of PO Box 824, Viroqua, WI 54665.

Life insurance How It Works
Just name The Prairie Enthusiasts, Inc. as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or as contingent beneficiary should your other beneficiaries not survive you. At death, the benefits pass to TPE free of federal estate tax.
Annuity options There are a number of annuity and trust options that permit you to continue to receive income during your life with the remainder going to TPE.
Wills and trusts

Simply name The Prairie Enthusiasts, Inc. as the recipient of cash, stock or other readily marketable assets.

 

Retirement accounts Name The Prairie Enthusiasts, Inc. as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or other retirement account.  Because TPE is a tax-exempt organization, it can receive the proceeds without having to pay the income tax that may be due from an individual beneficiary.
Real estate If real estate or stock that has appreciated in value is transferred  to TPE, it can be sold by TPE with no capital gains tax due.
Federal estate tax If your estate exceeds a certain amount ($11,580,000 for a single person or $23,160,000 for a married couple in 2020), the gift to TPE may save on estate taxes.
Business interests If you are considering transferring a business interest to TPE we suggest you discuss it with us before making such a provision.  There could be issues on management or disposition that we should discuss with you.

Leave a lasting legacy …

A planned gift today could make a world of difference tomorrow.


This information is not intended as legal or tax advice but as general information on planned giving.  For legal or tax advice, please consult your own professional advisor.