Conserving Marsh Island

MCHT WELCOMES CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIESFew gifts keep on giving the way conserved landdoes—providing places that nourish generations ofpeople, plants and animals. Now donors interested insupporting land conservation have a new option: a charitablegift annuity (commonly referred to as CGA) withMaine Coast Heritage Trust.“CGAs are the most popular form of planned gift inuse today–with good reason,” says John Tewhey, Boardmember and Chair of MCHT’sPlanned Giving Committee.“We’re confident that many ofour supporters will like the simplicityand multiple benefitsthey offer.” In an economic climatemarked by low interestrates and market fluctuations,CGAs provide older individualsa dependable rate of return.Through a simple contract,donors can give MCHT securitiesor cash; in exchange, theyreceive quarterly or annual“annuity” payments for life(based on uniform rates recommendedby the AmericanCouncil on Gift Annuities).Rates are fixed for the length ofthe contract and depend on thedonor’s age at the time of signing.© SARA GRAYCGA RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS(AS OF JULY 1, 2004)AGE RATE AGE RATE60 5.7 % 80 8.0 %65 6.0 % 85 9.5 %70 6.5 % 90+ 11.3%75 7.1 %(source: American Council on Gift Annuities,www.acga-web.org)Rates currently range from 5.7 percent at age 60 to 11.3percent at age 90 (see box). CGAs can be set up to benefitone or two individuals.Donors receive an initial income tax deduction fortheir charitable gift, and a portion of their annual returnis tax-free (being return of principal). The annuity isbacked by all the organization’s assets, and MCHT has tomake payments as long as the donor lives—even if paymentsexceed the amount originallycontributed. The sum thatremains after annuity paymentsand expenses goes to benefitTrust programs. On average, thisresiduum represents about 50percent of the original gift.In addition to acceptingCGAs, Maine Coast HeritageTrust now can serve as a trusteeor co-trustee of charitable trusts.Detailed flyers on each of theseplanned giving tools will beavailable soon. To receive copies,contact Janice Kauer, Director ofDevelopment, at 207-729-7366or jkauer@mcht.org. A copy ofMCHT’s newly revised “GiftAcceptance Policies” can befound online at www.mcht.org/gift-acceptance-policies.html.HELP PROTECT THE CHARACTER OF MAINE’S COASTWe greatly appreciate tax-deductible contributions at all levels in support of our land protection work.Name:Address:Seasonal Address:Dates:Check: I/we are enclosing a check payable to Maine Coast Heritage TrustAmount(Address: 1 Main Street, Suite 201 • Topsham, ME 04086)Credit Card Number: (Visa/Mastercard)Expiration Date:Cardholder:Telephone:Securities: I/we would like to make a gift of securities and will have my/our broker contactLindsey Cadot, MCHT Development Assistant, at (207) 729-7366 for transfer instructions.Please send information on: Charitable Gift Annuities Wills Charitable Remainder Trusts.Thank you! Questions? Please call (207) 729-7366 (or email: development@mcht.org). www.mcht.org3 MAINE HERITAGE FALL 2004