Planned Giving Handbook

PLANNED GIVING

to the C.M. Russell Museum

Charles Marion Russell, Age 62

AGE: 55

Introduction:

We dream of a world where people of all ages can
share in the stories of the west through Charlie
Russell’s eyes. You can make this a reality by
providing support that will last for generations
to come. Planned giving is an effective way to
make a difference in the financial stability of
the C.M. Russell Museum.

A Dozen Ways to Make a Difference

Minimizing Your Taxes & Maximizing Your
Gift.

1. CASH:

This is a simple and common way to make a gift.
Donations of cash are deductible if you itemize in
the year of contribution.

2. BEQUESTS:

Leave us a percentage of your estate. Or, make a
bequest of money or a particular piece of property
to our organization.

AGE: 52

3. SECURITIES:

Give stocks that have increased greatly in value,
particularly those producing a low yield. If you
have owned them longer than one year, you will
pay no capital gains tax on the transaction, and
you can deduct the full fair market value.

4. BANK ACCOUNTS & CDS:

Name us as the “payable-on-death” of your bank
accounts or on certificates of deposit. You own the
assets for your lifetime and have them available for
your use. Upon your death, the assets pass directly
to us without going through probate.

5. RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS:

Your most efficient estate planning option may be
leaving all or a portion of your retirement plan to
charity, because tax laws often subject these assets
to income and estate taxes upon death. Many
techniques can be used to avoid income taxes up to
39.6 percent. At the same time, you can pass more
tax-favored assets to your family.

AGE: 46

6. ART DONATION:

Donations of art allow us to grow the museum’s
collection, and ensure that these treasures are
available for people of all ages to enjoy in perpetuity.
While art does go through an acceptance process,
these donations are tax deductible at their fair
market value.

7. CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY:

This is a simple contract between you and us that
pays you a fixed dollar amount for your lifetime. The
older you are, the higher your annuity rate. If you
use appreciated property to fund the gift annuity, you
will escape the capital gains tax on the gift annuity,
you will escape the capital gains tax on the gift portion
of the transaction. Plus, you are able to spread the
remaining capital gains tax over your estimated life
expectancy. You also receive a partial income tax
deduction.

8. CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST:

A charitable remainder trust pays a fixed or variable
income to the donor. The payments are made either
for life or a period of time not to exceed 20 years. At
the end of the trust’s term, the balance in the trust
supports our mission. You’ll also receive a partial
income tax deduction.

9. CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST:

This type of charitable trust pays income to one or
more charitable organizations, typically for a period
of years, after which the remaining trust assets pass
to family members.

AGE: 36

10. REAL ESTATE:

This is a simple donation if you own property
that is not mortgaged, has appreciated in value,
and you no longer need or use. You can deduct
the fair market value of your gift and eliminate all
capital gains taxes. Plus, you have removed that
asset from your taxable estate.

11. RETAINED LIFE ESTATE:

You can transfer the deed of your personal residence
or farm to us now and keep the right to live in and
use the property for your lifetime. You will receive
a current charitable deduction in an amount that is
based on your life expectancy and the value of the
property.

12. LIFE INSURANCE:

Rather than cancel policies you no longer need, you
could name us the beneficiary, or simply donate the
policies outright.

AGE: 25

What is the Montana Endowment Tax Credit?

Formally known as the Montana Charitable En-
dowment Tax Credit, the credit was established
in 1997 to encourage individuals, businesses and
organizations to make lasting investments in their
communities. This opportunity offers you a credit
of 40 percent of a qualifying planned gift’s federal
charitable deduction, up to a maximum of $10,000,
per year, per individual. It also allows a credit of 20
percent of a gift’s federal charitable deduction for a
direct gift by a qualified business up to a maximum
of $10,000 per year.

We hope that this information has helped simplify
some of the many options for supporting the museum
with a planned gift. Senior Director of External
Relations Jackie Slovak would be happy to answer any
questions, and can be reached at [email protected]
or (406) 727-8787.

You can ensure Charlie Russell’s legacy is shared for
generations to come. Please consider a planned gift
today.

Image Details:
Cover Image: Portrait of Charles M. Russell, Eklund Studios, Great Falls, Montana,
1926, C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, Montana, Permanent Collection
Pg 1 Image: Charles M. Russell Portrait, 1919, C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls,
Montana, Museum Purchase
Pg 3 Image: Charles M. Russell in front of stone wall in Arizona, Almeron J. Baker,
1916, C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, Montana, Gift of Roger Currier
Pg 5 Image: Charles M. Russell at easel in log studio, 1910, C.M. Russell Museum,
Great Falls, Montana, Permanent Collection
Pg 7 Image: Early portrait of Charles M. Russell, 1900, C.M. Russell Museum, Great
Falls, Montana, Gift of Ralph and Fern Lindberg
Pg 9 Image: Portrait of Charles M. Russell, Elite Studio, Great Falls, Montana, c.
1890, C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, Montana, Permanent Collection

This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For legal
or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples
are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change.
References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only.
State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

400 13th Street North • Great Falls, MT • 406.727.8787 • CMRussel l.org