Planned Giving

Leave a legacy of preservation.

Your support today helps preserve our shared history for generations to come. By including the Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society (BHPS) in your long-term financial or estate plans, you ensure that our stories, landmarks, and community history & traditions continue to thrive well into the future. Consider planned giving as part of your plan to leave a legacy of preservation.

Planned giving is simple - and deeply impactful. You can make a lasting difference while also taking advantage of potential tax benefits. While many opportunities exist for planned giving, explore the familiar options below to find the giving plan that’s right for you. Always consult your tax advisor, financial planner, and/or other professionals for additional information regarding your specific situation.

Planned Giving Options

  • Give Through Your IRA


    If you are age 70 ½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA.

    Learn More

  • Donate Mutual Funds or Appreciated Securities


    Donating appreciated securities or mutual fund shares is another powerful way to give to BHPS.

    Learn More

  • Charitable Bequests & Beneficiary Designations


    You can make a lasting statement of support by naming BHPS in your will, trust, or retirement account.

    Learn More

Give Through your IRA

If you are age 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to BHPS or another eligible charity. Always consult your tax or financial advisor to confirm your eligibility.

  • Tax-smart giving: Up to $105,000 per donor per year can be transferred tax-free to BHPS.

  • For those age 73 or older, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) also count toward the year’s required minimum distribution (RMD).

  • Simple Process: Ask your IRA administrator to send the distribution directly to BHPS.

  • Deadline: Transfers must be completed by December 31 of each tax year to qualify.

Always consult your tax or financial advisor to confirm your eligibility.

Sample IRA Letter of Instruction

Donate Mutual Funds or Appreciated Securities

Donating appreciated securities or mutual fund shares is another powerful way to give. By transferring ownership directly to BHPS:

  • You may avoid capital gains taxes.

  • You may receive an income tax deduction for the fair market value.

  • You’ll make a meaningful impact without affecting your immediate cash flow.

Your financial advisor or fund manager can help you initiate the transfer of ownership.

You can also redeem your mutual fund shares and donate the cash to BHPS; you can make a bequest of mutual fund shares to BHPS during your estate planning; or you can designate BHPS as the beneficiary of a mutual fund.

Charitable Bequests & Beneficiary Designations

You can make a lasting statement of support by naming BHPS in your will, trust, or retirement account. Common types of charitable bequests include:

  • Specific Bequest: Designate a specific dollar amount or asset for BHPS.

  • Residual Bequest: Give all or a portion of your estate’s remainder after other wishes are fulfilled.

  • Contingent Bequest: Leave a gift to BHPS in the event that designated beneficiaries (usually children or family members) are unable to inherit.

  • Perpetual Bequest: Create an ongoing series of gifts over time.

You can also name BHPS as a beneficiary of your bank accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, Donor Advised Funds, and retirement assets including IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s, and other pension plans.

Letter of Intent for Planned Gift

BHPS Legal and Tax Information

Legal Name: Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society
EIN: 42-1488352

BHPS is a tax-exempt charitable institution under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and listed in the Federal Internal Revenue Service Publication #78, “Cumulative List of Organizations”. Click to view our IRS Positive Determination Letter. We are qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, and gifts in addition to traditional means of giving.

Our Gift Acceptance Policy

The Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society gratefully accepts a variety of charitable gifts. However, BHPS reserves the right to review and decline gifts that do not align with our mission or may create an undue financial or administrative burden.

Questions?

If you’re considering a planned gift or have already included BHPS in your plans, please let us know so we can thank you and ensure your wishes are honored. Please reach out to us directly through our Contact Us page.

Be aware the IRS rules can change from year to year. The Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society (BHPS) does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. This information is for educational purposes only and shot not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice.