William Z. Cline knows the Near East Foundation literally from the ground up. During World War II he was a conscientious objector because of religious reasons and spent four years in civilian public service camps without pay, doing soil conservation in Arkansas and forestry in Michigan. Long before he was recruited and joined the Near East Foundation staff in 1960, he had learned about NEF's skilled technicians in agriculture, animal husbandry, women's home economics and village sanitation while working in the Middle East.
Given his long-time interest in the countries where NEF works, the books he has read, his many visits through the years, and his own work there-Bill knows of what he speaks. So we are very proud that he has included NEF in his will and wanted to tell you why. Bill thinks NEF deserves to be remembered by all its supporters. Now 87 and having suffered some small strokes, his memory is not what it once was, but he recently sent this note. |
 WILLIAM Z. CLINE
Why do I believe in, and honor the Near East Foundation? The answer is simple and uncomplicated.
Because NEF has led the way from its origins in 1915, as a much-needed relief organization, to a technical assistance organization "helping people to help themselves." From its inception, NEF leadership in the developing countries of the world has been recognized as foremost in bringing technical aid. President Harry S. Truman in 1940, when he set up his "Point IV Program," said he wanted it to be patterned after the Near East Foundation's work in countries of that region.
Personally, I want those things I believe in to continue after I'm gone. That's one reason why the Near East Foundation is in my will. I want to enable others to carry out what is valuable, honorable and helpful to less fortunate people.
Why the Near East Foundation? Who else!
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WHAT IS PLANNED GIVING? PLANNED GIVING is part of estate planning. It is a way of meeting your personal financial goals while at the same time making a substantial contribution to the Near East Foundation. Planned Giving also can provide you with important benefits by allowing you to fulfill your philanthropic interests today, while making a gift that will both have a long-term impact and provide opportunities to reduce your personal taxes.
Planned Giving allows you to:
- realize personal financial goals;
- reduce taxes;
- protect your family;
- protect your assets;
- have your family remembered;
- realize your personal philanthropic goals;
- maximize or supplement your income;
- maximize the benefits to your estate and beneficiaries.
If this interests you, we suggest you discuss the idea with your accountant and lawyer—and with the Near East Foundation. Contact us here.
SOME PLANNED GIVING POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION WILLS and BEQUESTS —gifts transferred after death…may be cash, marketable securities, property or a percentage of the donor's estate…can reduce federal transfer tax…include:
GENERAL BEQUEST …leaving a charity a specified dollar amount.
SPECIFIC BEQUEST …leaving a designated asset such as stocks, real estate and tangible personal property.
RESIDUARY BEQUEST …residue or percentage of residue of an estate paid to a charity after all debts, taxes, expenses and other obligations are satisfied.
PERCENTAGE BEQUEST …leaving a percentage of an estate.
CONTINGENT BEQUEST …a charity receives all or a portion of an estate if primary recipients die before the donor.
RESTRICTED BEQUEST …limited to support a specific objective/program.
LIFE INSURANCE —can be a paid-up life insurance policy or a single premium policy…or a life insurance policy where premium payments are still being made…or a new policy with future premiums potentially deductible. CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES —in return for a transfer of cash or other property, a charity pays a fixed sum of money at stated intervals measured by one or two lives.
LARGE CAPITAL GIFTS —cash, stock and/or mutual funds…cash gifts may offer up to a 50 percent tax deduction against adjusted gross income, and property up to 30 percent. TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY —artwork, furniture, clothing, jewelry, cars are examples. REAL ESTATE —may be a contribution of property as an outright gift, a life estate, a bequest, or part of a bargain sale.
RESTRICTED and CONTROL STOCK —federal securities laws place restrictions, including a one-year holding period, regulation of the amount of securities sold within a three-month period, and notice of sale. CLOSELY HELD STOCK —generally not publicly traded. MUTUAL FUNDS —do not have the marketability issues of restricted and closely held stocks.
ENDOWED FUNDS —cash, stocks or other assets donated for income. RETAINED LIFE ESTATE —donor keeps possession during his/her lifetime. DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS —investment account of cash or securities earmarked for charitable giving with amounts and timing of grants determined by the donor.
SPLIT-INTEREST GIFTS —have two interests--up-front and remainder interests… a donor may be entitled to portion of income with the remainder to charity…includes:
POOLED INCOME FUND …a trust where a number of donors “pool” their gifts together, with the charity the remainder interest.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST …specified payout to one or more beneficiaries for a fixed term, with remainder interest to charity…tax-exempt.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST …fixed payout to a charity for a period of time, with the remainder interest distributed to other beneficiaries.
 Click here to discuss NEF's Planned Giving program with us.. or you can make an online donation now.
Letter to NEF Supporters Introducing Planned Giving |
