PLANNED GIVING is just that, a way to plan to provide financial support and resources for your loved ones. "Planned giving" is also a vehicle that allows you to give to charity during your lifetime and/or after your death, while meeting your current income needs and providing for your heirs. Planned giving is typically done in conjunction with estate planning, and is a viable option for donors of all income levels.

Make no mistake; planned giving takes some effort and work, usually involving your attorney, accountant or financial planner. And if you think about it, it should be something that is carefully considered and executed.

From a donor's perspective, planned giving is attractive for many reasons. It may allow you to make larger gifts than you otherwise could out of your current assets. Depending on how a planned gift is set up, it may also let you receive a stream of income for life, earn higher investment yield, or reduce your capital gains or estate taxes.

Planned gifts often appeal to people who want to benefit a charitable organization and show you believe in the mission of an organization and what it means to your community.

PLANNED GIVING OPTIONS
The most common type of planned giving vehicle is the charitable bequest and
beneficiary designation.

Charitable Bequests
The term "charitable bequest" is used to describe anything you give or leave
to charity from your estate through a will or a revocable inter vivos
("living") trust. An "estate" is any property, money or personal belongings
that you may have at the time of your death. Most people leave an estate
when they die, even though they may not have a great deal of wealth. Even an
individual with a small estate can arrange to leave a charitable bequest.

You can arrange to bequeath a gift from your estate in several different
ways. You can set aside a specific dollar amount, leave a percentage of your
estate, or leave any assets left over after your family has been provided
for. Some people use a bequest to give a charity something they own, such as
a car, home, art or jewelry. Others leave a paid life insurance policy or
other financial investments, such as stocks, bonds or CDs. These gifts may
provide tax savings.

Beneficiary Designation
By designating St. Luke Health Services as the beneficiary of your life insurance or retirement assets, you can enjoy some flexibility in your charitable giving as well as certain tax advantages. St. Luke Health Services will receive the specified assets upon your death, and you have the option of changing the eventual recipient throughout your life.

If you would like assistance with your plans to ensure St. Luke Health Services continues to provide the highest quality healthcare now and into the future, please contact our Community Relations Department at 342-3166, extension 116. We would be happy to send you additional information or arrange to meet with you to discuss planned giving, at your convenience.