Give to the International Swimming Hall of Fame

Dear ISHOF Supporter,

The International Swimming Hall of Fame would not exist without the generosity of generations of donors. From small denominations to big dollars, every gift matters, and your participation sends a message that you understand, are grateful for and want to be part of the history of swimming. This is especially true as we embark on this exciting renovation to propel us into the crux of the 21st century.

ISHOF has launched new “planned giving” opportunities to give our supporters more ways to contribute. We want to afford our valued members every opportunity to donate in a way that fits your lifestyle. Here are the Top 4 that cost you nothing, today.

1. Bequests – Bequests are often the cornerstone of most estate plans and among the easiest ways for donors to arrange a gift. They typically make up nine out of ten (9 out of 10) “planned gifts”.  Donors can set up a bequest when they work with their attorney to draft their wills, often with only a few sentences.  Donors understand the concept and they enable virtually anyone to make a deferred gift.  Even a handful of ISHOF’s donors arranging bequests could make an enormous financial impact to ISHOF.

2. Retirement Plans – Individuals with a retirement plan, whether through their employer (think 401(k), 403(b), pension plan or their own IRA), can select ISHOF as a beneficiary of the remaining balance.  These gifts are arranged by donors contacting the administrator of their plans. 

In addition you can also make a gift from your Retirement Plan through the IRA charitable rollover (also called the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD) is a great way to make a tax-free gift to ISHOF and satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). If you are not required to take an RMD but no longer itemize your deductions, then a QCD may be right for you as well. 

The IRA charitable rollover (QCD) offers multiple benefits for making gifts from your traditional or Inherited IRA.

• It is a wonderful way to create an immediate impact and see the difference your donation is making

• You must be 70 ½ years or older at the time of the gift

• Gifts must go directly from your IRA to ISHOF

• Gifts must come from a traditional IRA or Inherited IRA account.

• Gifts cannot exceed $100,000 per donor per year

• If you have not yet taken your RMD for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement

• You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions

3. Life Insurance – Life insurance is a great tool for making a gift.  A gift can be set-up by a donor, selecting ISHOF as a beneficiary of all or a portion of the policy’s proceeds.  Or, a donor could give ISHOF a policy and ISHOF could either cash it in or hold it until a later date.  A donor could even give ISHOF the policy, make annual gifts equivalent to the premium and let ISHOF take over the payments.

4. Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) – There are many options for a gift that pay donors an income. This is by far one of the most popular options and one that does not require an attorney.  A CGA is a simple contract between a donor and ISHOF.  A donor can convert appreciated stock that isn’t paying a dividend – or another underperforming asset like a savings account, money market fund or CD bearing little or no interest – into a CGA.  The donor receives payments for life and an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of the gift. 

Contact Us

Planning your estate and legacy for future generations, including your charitable interests, takes careful evaluation. Consulting with the appropriate professionals can assist you. We are here to assist and complement your advisors. 

If you have any questions or would like assistance in this process please contact us at treasurer@ishof.org. 

Thank you for your continued support,

The International Swimming Hall of Fame