Gifts Anyone Can Make
Philanthropy is calling....
What is Planned Giving?
YOU can make dreams come true!
Did you know?
Planned Giving, often called legacy giving, is the process of arranging a charitable donation to North Star Community Services (or other nonprofit) now, during your lifetime, or as part of your financial or estate plans. A planned gift allows anyone - regardless of income or financial status - to make a contribution. It's a way to give everyone a chance to become a philanthropist and pass on your passion about the things that you care about.
Here's how:
Besides making a positive difference to North Star and fulfilling your charitable goals, planned gifts can also provide tax-savings for you and/or your heirs. These gifts can be made through an IRA account, life insurance policy, appreciated stock; or they can be made through a will or bequest, or a beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy, IRA, or other retirement account.
Here's why:
- You get the satisfaction of creating a lasting impact on a cause you care deeply about.
- You help ensure that North Star Community Services will continue to support people with disabilities in the future.
- You will inspire others with your stories of impact.
- You can receive tax benefits (each type of gift is different; each situation is different – consult your tax professional/financial planner).
- You will allow us to honor your generosity during your lifetime (not required, donors can remain anonymous if they choose).
The North Star Legacy Circle
When you make a Planned Gift to North Star Community Services you become an important part of a special group of like-minded people, who want to create a lasting impact on North Star and individuals with disabilities. You transform your financial or estate plan into a powerful, philanthropic legacy that sustains your values for years to come.
*If you have already included North Star in your estate plans, please let us know. We would love to thank you and include you in the Legacy Circle!*
- A planned gift allows YOU to shape YOUR own legacy - all while helping North Star to achieve and grow our mission.
- While annual gifts are important - a planned gift allows you to have a bigger impact than an annual gift alone.
- A planned gift will make a difference to the continuity of North Star's mission to "empower each person to realize potential, pursue dreams, and enjoy life," even while it helps us today!
- Planned giving opens up a wide avenue from which to give. While you make a positive difference on our mission, you also secure your legacy - all for generations to come.
Here's Some Tips!
Make a gift that costs you nothing during your lifetime.
When you make a gift through your will (called a "bequest"), you help guarantee North Star's future financial strength without affecting your current cash flow or asset balances. It's the easiest major gift to do, and has a far-reaching impact.
A new win for "non-itemizers."
Beginning in tax year 2026, a single tax filer who does not itemize deductions, may deduct up to $1,000 in cash donations to qualified charities, like North Star. Married couples who file jointly can deduct up to $2,000. This applies only to cash gifts, but it presents a great opportunity for those young professionals and emerging philanthropists who may not yet itemize.
As always, this information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be tax, financial, or legal advice. Please consult with your tax advisor, lawyer, or financial advisor for guidance on your specific situation.