Ways to Give

Wills or Trust

Leave a Legacy that Lasts 

A gift in your will or trust is a simple, meaningful way to support the future of JFS Dallas. You can give a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other gifts are made.

Is This Gift Right For You?  

This option may be a great fit if you: 

• Want to make a long-term impact without affecting your current cash flow 
• Prefer flexibility to change your plans in the future
• Are already creating or updating a will or trust
• Believe in the mission of JFS Dallas and want to help ensure its future strength 

How it Works 

• Include JFS Dallas Foundation in your will or trust with the help you your legal advisor 
• Choose the type of bequest: 
  • A specific dollar amount 
  • A percentage of your estate
  • A gift of property or assets 
  • A contingent gift (only if your beneficiaries pass first) 
• Decide if you’d like to designate your gift to a specific service or leave it unrestricted
• Contact us to insure your gift can be used as intended 

Benefits 

• You keep full control of your assets during your lifetime
• You can update your plans as needed
• Your legacy supports causes that matter to you
• Potential tax benefits 

Cash Gifts

Make an Immediate Impact  

Cash gifts are the fastest and most direct way to support the work of JFS Dallas through the Foundation. Give by check, credit card, or wire transfer and watch your donation go straight to work for the community. 

Is this Gift Right for You? 

This option may be a great fit if you: 

• Want to see your gift at work immediately
• Prefer simplicity and ease of giving 
• Would benefit from an immediate tax deduction 
• Are ready to establish a fund now or contribute to an existing one

How it Works 

• Fill out a prospective donor information sheet with our team
• We’ll create a customized fund proposal based on your goals
• Make a gift via check, credit card, or other accepted methods 
• Your gift is invested right away to support JFS Dallas programs long-term  

Benefits 

• Your fund is established and active immediately
• You may receive a tax deduction in the year the gift is made 
• Simple, straightforward giving process 
• A great way to honor a loved one or mark a meaningful occasion 

Charitable Remainder Trust

Turn Appreciated Assets into Lasting Impact  

A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) allows you to convert cash, stock, or other assets into a source of income—for yourself or someone you choose—while supporting the mission of JFS Dallas. 

Is This Gift Right For You? 

This option may be a great fit if you: 

• Want to receive income from your gift for life or a set number of years 
• Would benefit from an immediate charitable tax deduction 
• Have appreciated assets you want to preserve and diversify
• Want to leave a meaningful gift to the Foundation down the road

How it Works 

• Contribute cash, publicly traded stock, real estate, or other qualified assets to establish the trust
• Choose yourself or another beneficiary to receive income from the trust (at least 5% annually) 
• At the end of the term or upon the beneficiary’s passing, the remainder is allocated to the JFS Dallas Foundation 
• Two types of CRTs: 
  • CRAT (Annuity Trust): Pays a fixed dollar amount each year
  • CRUT (Unitrust): Pays a fixed percentage of the trust’s value, revalued annually

Benefits 

• Receive income for life or a term of years
• Get an immediate partial tax deduction based on the projected gift to charity
• Avoid capital gains tax on appreciated assets used to fund the trust
• Support the mission of the Foundation with a future gift

Life Insurance

Turn a Policy into a Legacy 

If you have a life insurance policy you no longer need, it can become a powerful way to leave a lasting impact through the Foundation, with little to no cost to you today.

Is This Gift Right for You?  

This option may be a great fit if you: 

• Own a policy your family no longer depends on 
• Want to make a meaningful gift without affecting your current finances 
• Are looking for a simple way to leave a legacy 
• Prefer an alternative to donating securities or cash

How it Works 

You have a few options for giving through life insurance: 

• Donate an Existing Policy: Transfer ownership of a paid-up or existing policy to the Foundation

• Start a New Policy: Take out a new policy and name the Foundation as the owner and beneficiary

• Name the Foundation as a Beneficiary: Retain ownership of your policy and designate the Foundation to receive all or a portion of the benefit

Depending on the approach, you may be eligible for an immediate tax deduction based on the policy’s cash value or future premiums paid. 

Benefits 

• Create a large, lasting impact from a modest investment
• Receive potential income tax deductions
• Leave a meaningful legacy without using current cash or assets

Flexibility to modify your plans if your circumstances change

Real Estate and Property

Property with a Purpose  

Whether it’s a home you no longer need or a cherished item ready for new legacy, your property can become a powerful gift to support JFS Dallas for years to come.

Is This Gift Right for You? 

This option may be a great fit if you: 

• You own real estate or personal property (art, antiques, etc.) that you no longer need or wish to maintain
• You’d like to avoid capital gains taxes from a sale
• You’re looking for a way to give without using cash
• Your property is easily marketable or aligns with the Foundation’s mission

How it Works 

• Donate residential, commercial, vacation,  undeveloped property or valuable personal property to the Foundation
• We may retain it if useful to our mission, or sell it and use the proceeds to fund your designated endowment
• You’ll need to secure an independent appraisal to establish the fair market value

Benefits 

• Receive a charitable income tax deduction based on the appraised value
• Avoid capital gains tax on the transfer
• Make a meaningful gift without impacting your current cash flow

Retirement Plans

Put Your Retirement Assets To Work for Good 

A simple change to your beneficiary designation can turn your retirement savings into lasting support for JFS Dallas, all while minimizing taxes on your estate.

Is This Gift Right for You? 

This option may be a great fit if you: 

• You have a 401(k), IRA, or other retirement plan
• You want to make a gift through your estate
• You’re looking to reduce tax burdens on your heirs
  You’d like to retain control and flexibility during your lifetime

How it Works 

• Name the Foundation as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement account
• This can be done by contacting your plan administrator—no legal updates to your will required
• You can continue taking withdrawals as usual and revise your beneficiary at any time
• Let us know about your plans—your administrator won’t automatically notify us

Benefits 

• Continue using your retirement funds during your lifetime
• Reduce or eliminate income and estate taxes on plan assets
• Simplify your estate planning with one easy update
• Leave a meaningful legacy without affecting your current finances

Stocks and Assets

Turn Gains into Community Support 

Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is a smart and tax-savvy way to support the Foundation. You may even increase your gift’s value while lowering your tax bill.

Is This Gift Right for You? 

This option may be a great fit if you: 

• You’re holding publicly traded stocks, mutual funds, or bonds that have grown in value
• You want to give without affecting your cash flow
• You’re looking to minimize capital gains taxes
• You’re exploring a larger gift than you might make in cash

How it Works 

• Transfer your appreciated securities (held for more than one year) directly to the Foundation
• We sell the assets and use the proceeds to support your designated fund or area of need
• Be sure to transfer the assets directly—if you sell them first, you’ll be responsible for the capital gains tax

Benefits 

• Receive an immediate income tax deduction based on the full market value
• Avoid capital gains tax entirely on appreciated assets
•  Potentially give more than you could with cash at a lower out-of-pocket cost
• Support our mission while reducing your tax liability