Did you know there are tax-advantageous ways to support the causes you care about? Thoughtful planning and choosing the right gift type can maximize your impact through the initiatives that mean the most to you.

Gift planning strategies can help you achieve your philanthropic goals while also minimizing tax burdens and leveraging assets such as stocks, real estate and retirement accounts. There are even charitable giving options that provide income to you or your designee.

Creating Your Legacy with Extension

Community members give generously of their time and talents through statewide UF/IFAS Extension programs—including Master Gardener Volunteer, Master Naturalist and 4-H Youth Development. You can also partner with Extension to make a positive and lasting impact for your community through your charitable giving.

The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Legacy Endowment is a fantastic example of how donor passion and gift planning strategies can come together to make a big impact. Additionally, endowments live on forever, and are a great option to cement your own legacy or honor a loved one. There are many endowments that support county and state Extension programs, such as the Barbara Strickland Pinellas County MGV Endowment, Joe & Jean Subers Jefferson County Extension Endowment, and the Thomas Family Memorial 4-H Endowment. Endowments can be funded through any of the following gift vehicles.

Impact Now

IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

For individuals 70½ and older, you can make gifts directly from your IRA—commonly called an IRA charitable rollover.
Beginning in the year you turn 73, you can use your QCD gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD).

The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize. A QCD can also reduce your annual income level, and may help lower Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security subject to tax.

For Gator Nation Giving Day (2/20/25), there are multiple donors planning a QCD to support Extension programs – including a $5,000 matching gift challenge for the MGV Legacy Fund!

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

Use your donor-advised fund to direct a grant to your favorite UF/IFAS Extension program through the UF Foundation. You can also create a lasting legacy by naming the University of Florida Foundation as the beneficiary of your account. 

Interested in creating a donor-advised fund? Learn more about DAFs, including the University of Florida Giving Fund through BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund. The Giving Fund gives you the flexibility to support UF-based programs alongside other charitable causes you care about!

Appreciated Securities and Mutual Funds

Securities and mutual funds that have increased in value and been held for more than one year are one of the most popular assets to use when making a gift. This can reduce or even eliminate federal capital gains taxes on the transfer. You may also be entitled to a federal income tax charitable deduction.

Impact Later

Bequest (Wills and Trusts)

Designating a gift in your will or trust is a flexible way to provide for a gift in the future, while preserving assets during your lifetime. Simple language added to your estate plan can specify a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to support the programs you choose. Sample language is available here. 

Have you already included a UF/IFAS Extension or other UF program in your estate, or plan to do so? Connect with our team so we can ensure your wishes will be properly followed and recognized in the way you intend.

Gifts That Provide Income

Charitable Gifts Annuities (CGA) can be funded with cash or other assets, and will provide regular, fixed payments for life. And now, donors 70½ years and older can make a one-time election of up to $54,000 to fund a gift annuity from their IRA! 

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT) can also be created with assets such as appreciated stock or real estate and will provide income for a set period of time. Afterward the remaining value goes to support the purpose you designate. You can potentially receive a charitable deduction while also avoiding capital gains taxes on appreciated assets.

Beneficiary Designation

Provide a legacy gift by naming the UF Foundation as a beneficiary on various account types, such as:

• IRA and retirement plans
• Life insurance policies
• Commercial annuities
• Brokerage/Investment account
• Donor-Advised Fund

Resources

Our team collaborates with the UF Office of Estate and Gift Planning to help donors develop effective charitable giving strategies.
If you are interested in exploring these or other options, contact Caylin Hilton at advancement@ifas.ufl.edu or 352.392.1975.

Talk with your financial or legal advisor about your interests and seek their advice in planning. We are happy to work with you and your advisors to document your gift plans.

When including UF/IFAS Extension in your estate plans, it is important to use the legal name for our charitable organization:

• Legal Name: The University of Florida Foundation, Inc.
• Federal Tax ID: 59-0974739
• Address: 1938 W. University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603

The University of Florida Foundation is not affiliated with, and does not provide, endorsements for professional advisors. Information contained in this blog post was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney or tax advisor. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.

The University of Florida Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID #59-0974739) which helps to provide revenue through private resources and serve as a philanthropic and entrepreneurial partner to the university.

UF/IFAS Advancement fosters essential relationships and secures private support to advance the UF/IFAS land-grant mission. 

The UF/IFAS Extension Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a citizen-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the residents of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers to assist Extension agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents.

0