Ways to Give
Connecticut Players Society (Planned Giving)
Donor Privileges
Contact Us
GIFTS OF CASH
The simplest and easiest way to make your gift is to write a check to Long Wharf Theatre. You will be entitled to an income tax deduction for your gift, and we can use the money now to further our important mission.
MATCHING GIFTS
If you work for a company that has a matching gift program, you may be able to double your gift to us – without any cost to you. Please contact your employer’s Human Resources Department to obtain a matching gift form.
GIFTS OF APPRECIATED MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Gifts of appreciated stock that you have owned for more than one year can provide important tax benefits: (a) You can deduct the full fair market value (FMV) of the stock as of the date of the gift; and (b) You will also avoid the capital gains tax on the appreciation. For information about how to contribute appreciated stock, please contact Eileen (etc.)
GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE
If you own a life insurance policy and no longer need its protection, you can give that policy to Long Wharf – making Long Wharf Theatre the owner and the irrevocable beneficiary of the policy. By doing this you may be entitled to an income tax deduction for the gift.
GIFTS OF RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS
You may wish to designate Long Wharf Theatre the beneficiary of your IRA or other retirement plan. This might be an especially attractive option because, under current law, when these assets are left to children, grandchildren, or other heirs, as much as 70% or more of the gift may be consumed by estate and income taxes. In contrast, Long Wharf Theatre will receive 100% of your charitable contribution – so that the entire proceeds will benefit Long Wharf Theatre and its programs. You should consult with your financial advisor to understand how this type of gift may benefit you and your family.
BEQUESTS
You may choose to make an important gift by remembering Long Wharf Theatre in your estate plan. There are several ways to include Long Wharf Theatre in your plans – and each may qualify your estate for an estate tax deduction.
- Make a bequest of cash, securities or other assets
- Designate a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or a fixed percentage of your estate for Long Wharf Theatre
- Leave all or a portion of your residuary estate to Long Wharf Theatre after you have provided for your other beneficiaries
- Name Long Wharf Theatre as a contingent beneficiary of your estate in the event that other beneficiaries do not survive you.
No matter which option you choose, your bequest can make a lasting difference to Long Wharf Theatre – and your estate may enjoy tax benefits, as well. In addition, since you don’t have to part with anything during your lifetime – you can maintain control over your assets and flexibility as to their use.
To make sure that your bequest accomplishes your goals and fulfills your wishes, you should obtain the professional counsel of an attorney who specializes in estate planning. Your attorney will want to review the following sample bequest language before drafting your will. (Please note that the correct legal name of Long Wharf Theatre for bequest purposes is “Connecticut Players Foundation”.)
“I, (name), of (City, State, Zip) give, devise and bequeath the sum of $_______; or (a specific asset, such as securities or other assets); or _____ percent of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, to Connecticut Players Foundation, in New Haven, Connecticut, for its general purposes.”
If you prefer to designate your bequest for a specific purpose, we encourage to tell us as soon as possible. We will be happy to discuss options that best fit your interests and objectives so that you will obtain the greatest possible satisfaction from your gift.
GIFTS THAT PAY YOU INCOME (LIFE INCOME GIFTS)
You can make a gift to Long Wharf Theatre that may generate significant tax savings – and possibly increase your income. A life income gift can be especially attractive to donors who own low-yielding, appreciated securities, who would like to earn higher income while reducing or avoiding capital gains taxes. These gifts can also provide substantial benefits to Long Wharf Theatre after the lifetime of the donor.
The most popular Life Income Gifts are Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Gift Annuities, and Pooled Income Funds. In general, these gifts can provide you with the following benefits:
- Annual income for yourself and/or other beneficiaries you designate
- Possibly increase annual income if your gift is funded with low-yielding appreciated assets
- An income tax deduction for the ultimate gift to Long Wharf Theatre
- Avoidance or reduction of capital gains taxes when you fund the gift with appreciated assets
- Possible estate tax savings later on
- An important gift to preserve the future of Long Wharf Theatre
For more information about the benefits of life income gifts please contact Eileen Wiseman in the Long Wharf Theatre Development Office (203) 772-8237. She will be happy to work with your legal and financial advisors to help structure a gift that can benefit you and your family
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUSTS
Just as a charitable remainder trust allows you to provide an income stream to yourself or a loved one, a charitable lead trust lets you generate an income stream to Long Wharf Theatre for a specified length of time, and then the trust ends and the trust assets revert to you or to people you name, such as children or grandchildren. The financial and tax advantages of a charitable lead trust vary based on the type of trust you establish, so you should consult with your financial and legal advisers to learn more about this option.
Whatever way you choose to include Long Wharf Theatre in your estate plans, please let us know so that we can invite you to join the Connecticut Players Society.
We have provided information about some of the ways that you can give to LWT and also achieve benefits to help secure your own financial future – as well as ours. To design a gift that benefits the people and organizations you care about, we recommend that you obtain the professional counsel of an attorney who specializes in estate planning. Although we cannot provide legal advice, we can work with your legal and financial advisors to help you plan for tomorrow and receive maximum benefits today.
CONNECTICUT PLAYERS SOCIETY
We invite you to join the Connecticut Players Society, a group of friends who have included Long Wharf Theatre in their estate plans or made other planned gifts to the Theatre. The Connecticut Players Society is our way of saying thank you for your foresight and generosity. As a member of the Connecticut Players Society you will receive recognition and invitations to special events and related activities.
Donor Privilege
The generous donors who support “Life on Stage” are members of the Long Wharf Theatre family. This close association comes with a host of privileges – from inclusive invitations to behind-the-scenes events like working rehearsals, to insider news and opportunities.
We welcome your questions, comments, and thoughts.
Eileen Wiseman
Director of Development
eileen.wiseman@longwharf.org
(203)772-8237
Robin Valovich
Associate Director of Development
robin.valovich@longwharf.org
(203)772-8257
Jenny Dupre
Development Coordinator
jenny.dupre@longwharf.org
(203)772-8265
Kathy Cihi
Special Events Manager
kathy.cihi@longwharf.org
(203) 772-8234
