Gifts in Wills or Trusts

Why consider setting up a planned gift?

Leaving a legacy gift by including SVBC in your will or trust is a meaningful way to make a lasting contribution to the bike movement, making an impact that lasts for generations. Even a gift of 1% of your estate can make a huge difference.

In as little as one sentence, you can complete your gift and help ensure that SVBC can continue its mission for years to come.

Planned gifts can provide tax savings for you or your estate while supporting work that is important for the future of the Bay Area. If you’re considering a legacy gift, we would be delighted to answer any questions you may have. Legacy donors receive invitations to exclusive events, as well as personal recognition.

MEET LEGACY DONOR, MARTHA RYAN

“The biking re/evolution has made such a positive impact on my life (and has so much potential to help others) I have designated SVBC as a beneficiary in my will.

Cars are a terrible money trap which is especially hard on those living on the edge of homelessness. When biking is easier, people can ditch their cars and reduce their living expense.

Biking is my happy place and supporting SVBC allows me to leverage my enthusiasm to encourage and enable others to enjoy it as much as I do, now and into the future. ”

SAMPLE LANGUAGE:

For an unrestricted gift that allows Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition to determine how to use the funds based on the most pressing needs, use the following language for your will and/or trust:

“I give to Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 155 S 11th St San José, CA 95112, or its successor thereto, _________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted charitable use and purpose.”

To designate your provision for a particular purpose:

“I give to Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 155 S 11th St San José, CA 95112, or its successor thereto, _________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property]. This gift should be used for (state purpose) if and so long as Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition determines that the need exists. If Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition shall determine at the outset or at a later time that the need does not exist, or no longer exists or for some reason it is not possible (or prudent) to administer my gift as originally intended, then Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition may, in its sole and uncontrolled discretion, direct the use of my bequest for a purpose related as closely as possible to that stated above.”

We encourage you to seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor to make sure this gifts fits your goals.

LEGAL INFO:

Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
Tax Status: 501c3
Federal Tax ID: 77-0338658
Address: 155 S 11th St San José, CA 95112
Phone: 408-287-7259

NEXT STEPS:

Contact deanna@BikeSiliconValley.org to let us know if you have or are planning to include SVBC in your will or trust.
Fill out our Notice of Intent to provide more information about what you hope to accomplish with your gift. (The Notice can also be filled out in conversation with our Gifts in Wills officer).

Ways to make a planned gift and important information about flexibility and tax savings.

Gifts that take effect on your passing:

Through your will, living trust, retirement plan, or insurance, you name Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition as your beneficiary.

Will or Living Trust

Name SVBC in your will or trust
Designate a specific amount, percentage of your estate, or a particular asset
Your gift can be cash, stocks/bonds, real estate, or other assets
You have continued use of these assets during your lifetime
Flexibility—you may change the bequest at any time
Your estate receives a charitable tax deduction for the full amount of your bequest

Retirement Plans or Insurance

Name SVBC as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) plan, or life insurance policy
Designate all or a percentage of the proceeds to SVBC
Naming SVBC can avoid the significant tax penalties levied when individuals inherit retirement plan funds
Possible estate tax savings
Flexibility—you may change the beneficiary designation at any time

Gifts that pay you income during your lifetime:

With a charitable annuity or remainder gift, you receive an immediate tax deduction while you or a designated beneficiary receives income during your life. The remainder or balance supports SVBC. If you fund this gift with appreciated assets, you may avoid capital gains tax.