Ways to Give

There are a number of different ways to support the Susquehanna SPCA. Each offers donors specific tax advantages. We strongly encourage our donors to consult with their personal attorney and/or financial advisor, as each individual’s personal circumstances dictate his/her most effective gifting strategy.

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Cash & Marketable Securities

Gifts and pledges funded through cash or securities are the most impactful way to support the Shelter Us Campaign. Personal gifts provide the potential for an immediate tax deduction, depending upon the tax status of the donor. Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, and mutual funds enable donors to provide substantial support to the Campaign while avoiding significant capital gains taxes they would normally face in selling these assets.

Real Estate and Real Property

Real estate and real property can become valued and tax-effective gifts. The retained life estate gift enables a donor to donate his/her personal residence while retaining the right to remain there for life. Such gifts provide very favorable income tax and estate tax considerations. There are also a number of charitable gift planning strategies which will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Susquehanna SPCA.

Life Income or Charitable  Remainder Trusts

These methods provide a means to direct income to a loved one, or to retain income, during a lifetime after which a gift goes to the Susquehanna SPCA. These estate planning tools use the earning power of assets to benefit the donor or loved ones with cash income during their lifetimes, and then promise what’s left (the “Remainder”) to a philanthropic organization such as the Susquehanna SPCA. These trusts are especially useful in shielding the appreciation earned through market investment from capital gains tax, as well as estate taxes.

Life Insurance

When fully paid up and no longer necessary for family security, life insurance makes an excellent planned gift. Once signed over to the Susquehanna SPCA, a life insurance policy can be retained or surrendered for immediate cash. Converting a policy into a charitable gift can reduce estate taxes for heirs.

Charitable Ira Rollover, or Qualified  Charitable Distribution (QCD)

There is a special provision allowing donors aged 72 and older to exclude from taxable income — and count toward their required minimum distribution — certain transfers of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) assets that are made directly to public charities, including the Susquehanna SPCA and the Shelter Us Campaign. A charitable IRA rollover makes it easier to use IRA assets to make charitable gifts during your lifetime.

Bequests

Bequests are the most common estate giving strategy. Donors include provisions in their will or living trust which designate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the estate value to benefit the Susquehanna SPCA. All charitable bequests are automatically subtracted from any applicable estate taxes.

Charitable Lead Trusts

This method provides another estate planning opportunity which guarantees income to a charity over a specified number of years at a specific rate of return and then passes to the donor’s heirs. When properly structured these lead trusts can minimize estate and gift taxes.

Retirement Plan

Savings are often the most effective option for funding a legacy gift because they are taxed at a higher rate when left within an estate. Naming the Susquehanna SPCA as an “IRA beneficiary” can be a highly cost-effective legacy.

Donate Today

Every contribution helps us accomplish our goals of providing temporary housing and medical care (including spay and neuter) to homeless animals and finding them permanent loving families.

Donations can be made securely online by using this form or mailed to:

Susquehanna SPCA
PO Box 267
Cooperstown, NY 13326

Other Ways to Support

There are many other ways to support the Susquehanna SPCA and the animals we help! Not all support is monetary. Check our Support page for supply donation, volunteer, and foster information.