Whether you're updating your estate plan, exploring tax-smart ways to give, or planning a gift that lasts beyond your lifetime, our team can help you find an approach that fits your personal, financial, and family goals while creating lasting opportunity for families around the world.
We work regularly with financial advisors and donor-advised fund providers to make the process simple. To start a conversation, fill out the inquiry form below, email [email protected] or give a member of our team a call at 312-487-5008.
Ways to Make an Impact
Here are a few of the ways Opportunity supporters have made a lasting difference, and our team is glad to walk you or your advisor through any of them:
“We were particularly taken with helping out women in developing countries particularly in starting up small enterprises. It might sound small to people here, but it may make all the difference to them.”
Margaret's groundbreaking career and the couple's shared passion for service shaped a lifetime of giving. Learn how their commitment to helping others continues through a bequest to Opportunity International.
Gifts Through Your Estate
- Bequests through a will or trust. Designate Opportunity International as the beneficiary of your asset by will, trust, or beneficiary designation form.
- Retirement assets. A gift of your retirement assets, such as your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension, required minimum distribution (RMD), or other tax-deferred plan, is a wonderful way to help further Opportunity's work. Many donors choose to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from their IRA, allowing them to support Opportunity while potentially receiving tax benefits.
- Insurance. Your life insurance policy can be an excellent source of a planned gift. If your life insurance policy is no longer needed or will no longer benefit your survivors, consider making a gift to advance Opportunity's mission.
- Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). A DAF lets you make a charitable contribution now, receive an immediate tax deduction when eligible, and recommend grants to the charities you choose over time. Opportunity International offers DAFs with no administrative fees. We simply ask that a one-time portion of the fund be designated to Opportunity. Already have a DAF elsewhere? Use our Tax ID, 54-0907624, to recommend a grant.
“You don’t have to necessarily take from your family to give to a ministry; if you plan wisely, understand the tax system and get good counsel, you can win at both.”
As Mark and Megan Klopp explored what faithful stewardship could look like for their family, a Donor-Advised Fund helped them give more strategically.
Gifts of Appreciated Assets
- Stocks and bonds. By making a gift of your appreciated securities, such as stocks and bonds, you can avoid paying capital gains tax that would otherwise be due if you sold these assets.
- Real estate. Real property could include your home, vacation property, vacant land, farmland, or a commercial property. If you own appreciated real estate property, you can avoid paying capital gains tax by making a planned gift.
- Reserved life estate. Give your property to Opportunity International but retain the right to use the property during your life.
- Bargain sale. Sell your property to Opportunity for less than fair market value. You receive cash and a charitable deduction for the difference between market value and purchase price.
- Other non-cash assets. A variety of assets, including privately held business interests, collectibles, jewelry, and vehicles may be suitable for charitable giving.
“My passion for what Opportunity is doing in Nicaragua hadn't changed a bit, but the changing economy forced me to look beyond my traditional resources for charitable giving.”
When the financial downturn changed his typical approach to giving, David Allman found a new way to support Opportunity International's work in Nicaragua. Read how a gift of real estate became an investment in entrepreneurs.
Gifts That Can Provide Income
- Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). Transfer your cash or appreciated property to Opportunity International in exchange for our promise to pay you fixed payments (with rates based on your age) for the rest of your life.
- Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRAT or CRUT). Transfer your cash or appreciated property to fund a charitable remainder annuity trust or charitable remainder unitrust. The trust sells your property tax free and provides you with fixed income for life or a term of years.
- Charitable Lead Trust (CLT). Fund a trust that makes gifts to Opportunity for a number of years. Your family receives the trust remainder at substantial tax savings.
Don't see the option you're considering? Discuss additional giving strategies by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling a member of our team at 312-487-5008.
Because tax rules and individual circumstances vary, Opportunity International does not provide tax or legal advice. We encourage you to consult your tax, legal, or financial advisor to determine what's right for you.
The Whittaker Legacy Society
The Whittaker Legacy Society honors the legacy of Al and Marion Whittaker, founders of Opportunity International. Membership in the Society is available to anyone making a bequest or other planned gift, which mirrors the commitment and dedication of the Whittakers to love and serve those living in poverty.
To learn about joining the Whittaker Legacy Society by making a planned gift, send us an email at [email protected] or by calling a member of our team at 312-487-5008.
Ready to start your journey? let’s chat
Your generosity helps unlock opportunities for families around the world to move out of poverty. If you have any questions, we’d welcome the chance to connect.
Contact Us