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Long-term support for the College.

You may make the College of the Desert Foundation a beneficiary of your estate through a bequest in your will. This type of gift enables you to help others during and beyond your lifetime. Gifts can be designated to support specific programs or departments at the College as well as scholarships.

Planned gifts can be structured in a variety of ways depending on the donor's particular situation, financial goals, and philanthropic objectives. It is recommended you consult with your financial advisors and/or legal counsel to establish a planned gift that best suits your objectives. Additional information on planned gifts.

On Dec. 17,2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 was signed into law. In part, the new law allows some people to make charitable gifts directly from a traditional or a Roth IRA in 2011. Specifically: 

• You, as the plan owner, must be at least 70 years of age on the date of your gift.
• You may gift up to $100,000 in 20 II. This limit applies to each person, meaning that if both spouses have IRA plans, each may make gifts up to that limit. Gifts for 2011 must be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Please note that 40 I (k) plans and other non IRA retirement plans do not qualify.
• With respect to a traditional IRA, the gift will be counted against your required minimum distribution but that portion of the distribution will not be subject to income tax. (In exchange, you forego the ability to claim the gift as a deduction.) Roth IRAs are not subject to minimum distribution rules and amounts distributed are not included in income.
• The gift must go to a qualified public charity, such as the College of the Desert Foundation.
• You must make your gift outright. These funds cannot be used to establish a planned gift such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust.

If you do not qualify to take advantage of this new legal provision, but would like to discuss other ways of meeting your philanthropic goals using a retirement account, please contact the Foundation at 760-773-2561 or via e-mail Jhummer@collegeofthedesert.edu

Steps for making a gift.

The process for making a gift using your IRA is straightforward - but it is important to exercise care to assure that your transaction is completed correctly. It is especially important that you avoid having the funds distributed to you personally, as that could trigger an income tax.

To make a gift from your IRA

• Contact your IRA administrator to ensure the company is prepared to handle your request. Send your IRA administrator a letter requesting the distribution. (See sample letter.)
• Send College of the Desert Foundatoin a copy of your letter so we can expect the distribution check and deposit it as you have requested. Send the copy to: Planned Giving, C/O College of the Desert Foundation, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260

A confirmation will come from the Foundation when we receive your distribution.

You can give at anytime online, or by clicking the Donate Now icon found throughout the site. You can also download this fillable PDF and mail back to the Foundation at: College of the Desert Foundation, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert, Ca 92260. 

For Information on all any of the giving opportunities found here, or if you have questions and would like to talk to someone at the Foundation, call 760-773-2561 or e-mail Jhummer@collegeofthedesert.edu