Great news for anyone wanting to support Audubon California and provide increased income for themselves or loved ones for life:  higher rates for Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) took effect on July 1, 2018.  Audubon follows rates recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities. For most donors it will be an increase of .40% to .50%, and the highest recommended rate goes up to 9.5%.

Here’s an example to illustrate how this opportunity works:

On July 1, 2018, Betty Bird, age 72, transfers $25,000 to Audubon California in exchange for a CGA that will provide her with $1,450 in annual payments for life, reflecting a 5.8% rate.  Prior to July 1 Betty’s rate was 5.4%, resulting in lower annual payments of $1,350. 
 
Professional advisors often recommend funding Charitable Gift Annuities with appreciated securities, in order to maximize your benefit by reducing capital gains taxes.  CGAs can also be funded with cash. 
 
To take advantage of the new CGA rates and realize your full benefits–or for more information about other win-win giving strategies, please contact Audubon Director of Gift Planning Shari Kolding at 512-236-9076 or skolding@audubon.org.

Learn more about ways to give to Audubon California here.