Name Gulf Coast Humane Society as a beneficiary of your retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or pension), life insurance policy, or bank and investment accounts. Simply request a beneficiary designation form from your plan custodian or insurer and list GCHS as a full, partial, or contingent beneficiary. Because GCHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your gift passes to the animals free of income and estate tax — and you can update the designation at any time.

A charitable remainder trust lets you — or a loved one you name — receive a steady stream of income for life or for a set term of years, with the remaining balance passing to Gulf Coast Humane Society. It can provide an immediate charitable income-tax deduction, reduce or defer the capital-gains tax on appreciated assets like stock or real estate, and turn those assets into lifetime income, all while securing the future of the animals. Your tax or financial professional can help you structure the trust.

If you are 70½ or older, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) lets you give directly from your IRA to Gulf Coast Humane Society — from $100 up to $100,000 per year — without the distribution counting as taxable income. If you are required to take a minimum distribution, your gift can satisfy all or part of it. Married couples may each give up to $100,000 per year from their own IRA. Simply ask your IRA administrator to make the distribution payable directly to GCHS.

Already have a donor advised fund (DAF)? Recommend a grant to Gulf Coast Humane Society through your fund sponsor at any time. You receive your tax benefit when you contribute to the fund, then support the animals now, later, or on a recurring schedule. Ask your fund sponsor to list Gulf Coast Humane Society, Corpus Christi, TX, Tax ID [insert EIN] as the recipient.

Giving appreciated assets — such as publicly traded stock, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate held more than one year — can be one of the most tax-smart ways to give. You may receive a charitable deduction for the full fair-market value while avoiding the capital-gains tax you would owe if you sold the asset yourself. Please let us know when you initiate a transfer so we can ensure proper acknowledgment for your taxes.