Golden Lotus School ~ Fundraising

These guidelines are intended to help those who would like to join in building the Golden Lotus School through thoughtful giving.

Gifts of Cash

The simplest way of contributing, and most beneficial to the Golden Lotus School, is to make an outright gift of cash.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities

Giving long-term securities to the Golden Lotus School provides two income tax benefits - no tax is imposed on the appreciated portion of the gift (the capital gains), and the donor will receive a charitable deduction based on the stock's fair market value. Because the donor can avoid the capital gains tax, it is usually more advantageous to contribute the appreciated securities directly to the Center rather than selling the securities and giving the proceeds of the sale. Some gifts of appreciated property -- such as securities, real estate or tangible personal property -- may result in income being subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). However, even under AMT, the donor's gift will always reduce taxes by at least 24% of the property's cost basis. The AMT doesn't affect most donors, but if you are (or may be) subject to AMT, we would be happy to discuss it with you and your financial advisors.

Gifts of Closely Held Stock

Stock in closely-held business may also be given to the Golden Lotus School. Stocks that are not publicly traded require special planning and a qualified appraisal.

Charitable Lead Trusts

A donor can make a gift by placing assets in a trust that designates that an amount of trust income be paid to the Golden Lotus School for a term of years. Once the trust terminates, the principal can revert back to the donor or his beneficiaries, typically children or grandchildren. The charitable lead trust offers gifts and estate tax savings.

Gifts of Real Estate

A gift of real estate may consist of a full or partial interest in almost any type of property -- a residence, vacation home, commercial property or undeveloped piece of land. As with securities, a gift of unmortgaged real estate can generate an income tax deduction while providing the donor with the avoidance of capital gains tax liability.

Gifts of Tangible Personal Property

Gifts of saleable tangible personal property such as art, antiques or jewelry can offer the donor an immediate tax deduction and estate tax benefits.
Gifts of Life Insurance An insurance policy may be an attractive asset for a donor. Contributing an insurance policy to the Golden Lotus School can enable a donor to make a larger gift and obtain a charitable tax deduction for the cash surrender value and any premiums donated.

Life Income Gifts

A donor can make a gift to the Golden Lotus School and continue to receive the income from the gift, as well as a charitable tax deduction. Golden Lotus School may make a life income gift through the creation of a charitable remainder annuity trust, unitrust or charitable gift annuity.
Bequests Donors are encouraged to include the Golden Lotus School enter in their wills. Donors will receive Golden Lotus School credit for the full value of their documented bequest intention if they have passed their 75th birthday.

Matching gifts

Many businesses have matching gift programs. Under these programs the company matches an employee's gift to the Golden Lotus School. Matching gifts are credited to the donor's individual gift record.

Donations should be made payable to The Golden Lotus School and mailed to:

Christian Englund
315 10th Ave S.
Apartment 205
Kirkland WA 98033

Golden Lotus School