Leaving a provision for CSPI in your will or living trust is a thoughtful, visionary way to extend your dedication to future generations. You can leave an asset, a set dollar amount or percentage of your estate. This can help reduce or eliminate taxes which your estate may otherwise owe.

Fixed Amount Bequest: This is a bequest that directs a fixed dollar amount, or specific assets, such as securities or property. The following is basic sample wording to make a provision for CSPI in your will:

I give and bequeath the sum of $__­­________ to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1250 I Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington DC, 20005 (Federal Tax I.D. # 23-7122879)  to be used for its general purposes.

Residuary Bequest: This form of bequest directs a percentage of the remainder of your estate, after specific gifts to the other beneficiaries have been fulfilled. For example, 75% can go to your heirs with the remaining 25% going to CSPI. The following is basic sample wording to make a provision for CSPI in your will:

I give and bequeath to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1250 I Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington DC, 20005 (Federal Tax I.D. # 23-7122879) an amount equal to _____% of the net value of my estate, to be used for its general purposes.

A life insurance policy that has outlived its purpose may make a perfect charitable donation to CSPI. It’s easy to update the beneficiary designation at any time by requesting a beneficiary designation form from your financial institution or insurer. This form is generally available on the company’s website as well. Simply complete the form and mail it back. Like a bequest, you can change your mind at any time. You also have the flexibility to designate a percentage, rather than the whole amount.

The assets contained in an IRA pass outside your will. Distribution is governed by the beneficiary designation form you completed. Leaving that benefit to family member or a friend would result in a high tax liability that can be avoided by leaving it to CSPI. Support CSPI’s bold initiatives in nutrition and health policy with your retirement plan — and leave your loved ones other estate assets that are not taxed as highly. As with a bequest or life insurance, you can make CSPI a partial, full or contingency beneficiary.

If you have questions about other types of retirement accounts, please email giftplan@cspinet.org or call (202) 777 8372.

Establishing a CSPI Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a great way to maximize your retirement income and your charitable giving to CSPI's nutrition and health goals. A gift annuity is a contract between the donor and CSPI specifying that, in exchange for a donation of $10,000 or more, CSPI agrees to pay the donor – or up to two beneficiaries named by the donor – a lifetime income. Upon the death of the donor or the beneficiaries, the remaining principal transfers to CSPI to further its work. Benefits of the plan include:

CSPI determines its rates by those set by the American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA). The ACGA monitors and adjusts its rates monthly based on the rates of commercial annuities, and according to current and projected market conditions. The rate of payment is determined by the age of the annuitant(s) at the time of the gift. Below is the current schedule for single-life CGAs:

Please contact us directly and we will be happy to provide you with a personalized annuity plan and diagram.

Call or e-mail our planned giving specialist today:
(202) 777-8372 or giftplan@cspinet.org

Beneficiaries age 60 or older can receive immediate income from a CSPI CGA. Others may consider a Deferred-Payment CGA. In the event that a deferred-payment CGA is preferable, you make the gift now, realize an immediate charitable deduction, but defer receiving income until a later time. The deferral of income must be until at least age 60.

A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is a way that a U.S. donor can provide income to him or herself and/or others while making a generous gift to CSPI. The income may continue for the lifetimes of the beneficiaries, a fixed term of not more than 20 years, or a combination of the two.

You can support CSPI through a gift of real estate. Donating a property that you have owned for a minimum of one year entitles you to a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of that property and allows you to avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation.

If you would like to have the tax advantages of a gift but continue to live in your home, a retained life estate is another useful gift vehicle. By donating a remainder interest in your property, you or a designated individual, can live in your house until death. Upon the death, the ownership of the property would transfer to CSPI.

Yes. Your gift plans can be revised at any time. There is no prohibition on making changes to your estate plan should your circumstances change.

No. A popular choice is stating a gift as a percentage, which will automatically adjust no matter what the future may bring.

Many people put aside a percentage of their estate for their favorite causes, while leaving a large majority of their assets to family and friends. Or you could choose to make a charitable gift of whatever balance remains in a retirement account, which also saves on taxes.

Every gift makes a difference! Whatever you can give is greatly appreciated and will help ensure CSPI can continue its work to ensure a safe and healthy food supply for all.

A codicil is a document that amends, rather than replaces, a previously executed will. It’s easy to do and costs relatively little.