TCF Foundation

The mission of TCF Foundation is to build endowed funds
to ensure that The Compassionate Friends will always be
available for families following the death of a child

TCF FOUNDATION BACKGROUND

Year after year for nearly four decades, The Compassionate Friends has spread hope to more and more bereaved families. TCF has been widely recognized as a unique lifeline for those who are dealing with the tremendous grief that follows the death of a child. The organization has built this reputation in spite of struggling with the financial ups and downs that plague nearly all nonprofits.

From these financial struggles emerged the idea that a foundation might be created with the sole purpose of guaranteeing enough financial stability for The Compassionate Friends to always “be there” to provide emotional support to those who may see no hope. In 2000, thanks to the dedication and commitment of many members and friends of TCF, that dream came true with the creation of TCF Foundation.

While TCF Foundation has come a long way since its inception, there is still a long way to go before its mission can truly be reached. As a member of TCF or simply as a caring individual, you can support TCF Foundation through donations that can take a number of different forms.

The following examples are possible ways you can participate in the foundation’s capital campaign:

SUPPORT OF TCF Foundation

CASH GIFTS

A cash gift is the most common way of giving.

TCF Foundation has been set up to accept major gifts of $5,000 or more ($2,500 during the current matching challenge grant). Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by IRS regulations.

SECURITIES

A gift to TCF Foundation of stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, or an IRA can be an effective way of making an investment in the future of the organization while also realizing personal financial benefits.

The long-term capital gains tax on securities may often be avoided if the stocks or bonds are donated directly to TCF Foundation instead of being sold. This is especially advantageous with highly appreciated securities. In addition, you are usually allowed a federal tax deduction for the full market value of the stock you donate. Please consult with your tax adviser.

ESTATE

There are several estate planning techniques that may benefit both you and TCF and also establish your personal legacy of love. Your estate-planning attorney can advise you. TCF Foundation will assist your advisors in any way that will be helpful. Please contact the Executive Director of TCF early in your planning. In general, gifts to TCF Foundation may be deducted on both federal estate tax and income tax returns.

GIFTS BY WILL

You may prefer to remember TCF by making a charitable bequest in your will. You can designate specific property to go to TCF Foundation such as cash, real estate, stock, bonds, life insurance, proceeds from retirement benefits, or any other type of asset. Charitable gifts of this type of property are deductible for federal estate tax purposes. For a will, the official name to use is: TCF Foundation, Inc., a not for profit corporation of Illinois now having its mailing address as P.O. Box 3696, Oak Brook, Illinois 60522.

There are several methods of making a charitable bequest in your will. Some are:

A percentage of the estate
A fixed dollar amount
Specific items (real estate)
Residue (after other bequests)

LIFE INSURANCE

A life insurance policy that names TCF Foundation as the owner and beneficiary is an excellent way to contribute substantially to the endowment fund.

This can be done with either a new cash value policy of $25,000 or more face value or an existing policy with a cash value of $5,000 or more that you no longer need for your family’s security. The approximate cash value of an existing policy can be considered as a gift for income tax purposes. The premiums paid after the gift is made are also considered tax-deductible charitable contributions. You may wish to simply make TCF Foundation the beneficiary for part or all of the proceeds of a policy that you continue to own and control. The purchase of a new policy, like the popular Survivorship Life Policy, is one way of making a rather substantial contribution to the TCF Foundation. This policy insures two lives, such as husband and wife, and is redeemed at the second death. It generally has a lower premium than a policy insuring only one life. The applicant, owner, and beneficiary should be TCF Foundation, thus permitting the premium to be tax deductible. Consult your life insurance agent about transferring an existing policy or setting up a new one.

Home

Neither The Compassionate Friends nor TCF Foundation is engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory services. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained. The purpose of this publication is to provide information of a general nature only. Be aware of changes in tax laws. Wills and charitable gifts made in a contractual agreement are governed by state laws. Advice from legal counsel should be sought when considering these types of contracts.

For further information, contact the National Office of The Compassionate Friends

900 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 78
P.O. Box 3696 • Oak Brook IL 60522
Toll Free (877) 969-0010
FAX (630) 990-0246

E-mail: executivedirector@compassionatefriends.org
www.compassionatefriends.org
www.tcffoundation.org