Popular tax-smart gifts

Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.

Explore tax-smart gift options

Learn about gifts that maximize the impact of your support while providing tax benefits for you!

Stocks and securities

Many people love donating stock or mutual funds because it may help them avoid paying capital gains taxes.

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Donor Advised Funds

Easily recommend grants to Greater Twin Cities United Way for tax-efficient giving.

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Qualified Charitable Distributions

Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and our mission.

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Real Estate

Donate real estate to make a lasting impact, unlocking the hidden potential of your property’s value.

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Planned giving helps fuel United Way’s mission

When you include a donation as part of your overall estate and financial planning, you ensure we make meaningful strides toward achieving our mission: to unite changemakers, advocate for social good and develop solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone.

Chris and Brenda Wicker’s story

Brenda and Chris Wicker believe giving is for everyone. “Philanthropy” may sound like something only wealthy people do, or something you might save for later in life. But as Chris Wicker says: “This is for everyone. And it’s rewarding for everyone” – whether through volunteering or giving a financial gift of any size.

The Wickers invited us into their home to share their approach to giving back in community. Brenda and Chris are each veterans, and the couple adopted their son after he’d been placed in foster care. Their experiences serving in the military and becoming parents helped shape their giving decisions.

As a veteran and now a parent, Brenda says you don’t have to be older to think about legacy. That’s why the couple included a planned gift to Greater Twin Cities United Way in their will as one part of their philanthropy. “The thing I care most about in my community is leaving it better for my son than I found it,” Chris said.

Watch the video to hear their perspective.

We’re here to help you meet your goals!

Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.

Name: Linne Lemke, CFRE

Title :Planned Giving Officer

Phone: 612-340-7434

Email: linne.lemke@gtcuw.org

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know

More ways to make an impact

Gifts in a will or trust

Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will (for free!).

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Beneficiary designations

Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.

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Gifts that pay you back

Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.

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