The League of Women Voters of Washington pursues education and advocacy to protect democracy and the right to vote through informed and active participation in government and increased understanding of major public policy issues. When you make a legacy gift to the LWVWA, you are doing something impactful for future generations in your community. 

As you make your financial and charitable giving plans for this year, you may want to plan for the future. You can make a legacy gift in a variety of ways, including an outright bequest or by designating the LWVWA Education Fund as a beneficiary to your retirement assets or life insurance policy. 

Maximize your Tax Advantage 

In addition to cashdonations (or an equivalent), you may want to consider other ways to give to maximize your tax advantage. 

• Stocks: You can take a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock, but you don’t have to pay tax on the gain from appreciation. 
   

• Real Property: Donating your primary home, your vacation home, or other property can reduce capital gains tax as well as give you a charitable deduction. 
   

• Retirement Accounts: If you are at least 70 and 1/2 years old, you may make a distribution of up to $100,000 from your IRA to the League, and it will not be considered income to you. 

Consult with your legal and financial advisors to learn how a gift would work in your circumstances. Laws and regulations governing all gifts and availability of certain life income gifts vary. In addition to providing a wonderful legacy for the community, bequests decrease the size of your taxable estate. 

Giving Options 

The LWVWA offers multiple ways to give:  

• Unrestricted gifts: These gifts support daily operations including voter education efforts, youth programs, and citizen education on issues. 

• Endowment gifts: Gifts made to the Centennial Fund provide income used for League operations. 

When you name the LWVWA or LWVWA Education Fund to receive a gift through your estate, you play a personal role in protecting democracy’s future. Learn more about legacy giving at our website.