Leave a legacy that can last forever…
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”
— Confucius
A legacy gift to the Hawai’i Forest Institute (HFI) ensures that your impact will continue long into the future. Your gift today is reinvested in forests and forest education that can last forever. It will enable us to continue to fulfill our mission of promoting the health and productivity of Hawaii’s forests through forest restoration, educational programs, information dissemination, and support for scientific research.
Do Good and Do Well!
By doing good, you can also do well. As part of your estate planning, you can realize valuable tax and income benefits through your gift while supporting the Hawai‘i Forest Institute (HFI). HFI accepts the types of planned giving contributions listed below.
Please contact Paul Arinaga, Development Officer, at paul@hawaiiforestinstitute.org to find out more about leaving a legacy gift to the Hawai’i Forest Institute. Should you require assistance on the legal or financial aspects of planned giving, please contact your legal or financial advisor.
Bequest in a Will or Trust
Naming the Hawai‘i Forest Institute in your will or trust is a popular and simple way to make a planned gift. A bequest can either be a set dollar amount or a percentage of an estate that would go to HFI. The donation is exempt from federal estate taxes and may be exempt from state inheritance taxes. Moreover, you remain in control of all assets during your lifetime. A legal or financial advisor can provide guidance on creating or amending a will or trust to include the Hawai‘i Forest Institute.
Publicly Traded Securities
Gifting publicly traded securities that have appreciated in value, including stocks and bonds, is an easy and tax-effective way of donating. By transferring highly appreciated stocks or bonds to the Hawai‘i Forest Institute, you will avoid having to pay any capital gains tax on the sale of the stock or bond, and (provided you have held the security for a minimum of one year) you will also receive a charitable income tax deduction based on the full fair market value of the asset. Since you both avoid paying capital gains tax and receive a charitable income tax deduction, using appreciated securities rather than cash can enable you to make a more substantial donation. Please contact us regarding gifts of appreciated securities.
Life Insurance and Retirement Plans
The Hawai’i Forest Institute can be named as a beneficiary or sole owner of a life insurance policy or unused retirement assets. Types of plans include individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or pensions. The proceeds of the policy will be paid to the Hawai’i Forest Institute free of federal estate taxes, and neither you nor your estate will owe income or estate taxes.
Investment Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
If you are 70½ years of age, you can give up to $100,000 per year from your IRA (not a 401(k) or pension) directly to a qualified charity such as the Hawai’i Forest Institute. Donations made from an IRA can meet all or part of your IRA’s required minimum distribution for the tax year. Although you will not receive a charitable income tax deduction, the withdrawal will also NOT trigger any income tax liability.
Personal Property or Real Estate
You can make a gift of personal property, such as artwork, collectibles, and other tangible items to the Hawai’i Forest Institute. Gifts of real estate remove a large taxable asset from your estate. You benefit by receiving an income tax deduction equal to the appraised fair market value of the property, with no capital gains tax due on the transfer. The Hawai’i Forest Institute can either sell the property or retain it for future use.
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
— Greek proverb
Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity is a contract between you and the Hawai‘i Forest Institute. As a donor, you make a sizable gift to HFI using cash, securities, or possibly other assets. In return, you become eligible to take a partial tax deduction for your donation, plus you receive a fixed stream of income from HFI for the rest of your life.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
If you have a highly appreciated asset (stocks, bonds, real estate) you can decrease your tax liability, increase your income stream, and benefit your favorite charity all at the same time! If your assets are not generating the level of income you desire, or the maintenance and upkeep of an investment property is eating too much into your profits or time, consider the use of a charitable remainder trust. In addition to the income stream, generated by the trust, you may also be eligible to take a tax deduction at the time of the original gift, based on the estimated amount that will eventually go to HFI after all the annuity payments have been made. A portion of the payments you receive may also be tax-free based on your statistical life expectancy. Please contact us or your estate planning professional to discuss this option.
More Information
Please contact Paul Arinaga, Development Officer, at paul@hawaiiforestinstitute.org to find out more about leaving a legacy gift to the Hawai’i Forest Institute. Should you require assistance on the legal or financial aspects of planned giving or for other planned giving options, please contact your legal or financial advisor.
All gifts to the Hawai’i Forest Institute enable us to continue to carry out our mission of promoting the health and productivity of Hawaii’s forests through forest restoration, educational programs, information dissemination, and support for scientific research. Please invest in the future today, to ensure that Hawaii’s natural splendor lasts long into the future.
Hawai’i Forest Institute is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our federal tax identification number is: 90-0108457.
Hawai’i Forest Institute
P.O. Box 66
O`okala HI 96774
Phone: 808-933-9411
Fax: 253-550-3062
info@hawaiiforestinstitute.org