Many donors want to help assure that the work of the American Red Cross is well funded for years to come; thus, they plan for the future through charitable gifts. There are numerous ways to support the Red Cross through gift planning; some have benefits for the donor as well. If you wish to make this commitment, you and your financial adviser will want to determine the type of gift that best suits your personal situation.

Remembering the Red Cross through your Will: Do you plan to remember the Red Cross in your will? By using the following language, you can ensure that your gift will be distributed as you intend.

To make a gift to your local Red Cross chapter, use these words: I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Red Cross for the benefit of the Westmoreland County Chapter, the sum of ______ (or otherwise describe the gift or specify a percentage of the estate).

Supporting the Red Cross through other Planned Gifts: Following are other types of planned giving that can save you taxes while benefiting those who depend on the Red Cross during emergencies:

Gifts of Appreciated Securities -- You can give a gift of appreciated securities held long term and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value. You do not pay capital gains tax on the transfer.

Gift Annuities -- When you give a gift annuity, you transfer a specified amount of cash or stocks to the American Red Cross. In exchange, you receive a guaranteed fixed regular payment for your life and/or that of your spouse or friend ( the older the beneficiaries, the higher the rate). In addition, you can take a sizable charitable deduction.

Deferred Gift Annuities -- If you give a gift annuity now and delay the payments starting for several years, both the charitable deduction and your rate of return may increase dramatically, You may be able to give a significant gift and still increase retirement income.

Pooled Income Fund -- This fund is a giving plan for you if you want to receive an income for life that has the possibility of growth through the years. The gift is combined with the gifts of others so that the principle can be invested as a larger sum for the benefit of each giver and the future good of the Red Cross. This gift has the potential to eliminate the capital gains tax on appreciated assets that are donated. It is similar to a mutual fund, but with the bonus of an ultimate charitable gift.

A Gift With Income That Never Changes -- A charitable remainder annuity trust is a way to make a gift that allows you to retain income for life or for a specific amount of time. The funds are held separately by a trustee and invested for payment of a fixed, regular income.

A Gift With Variable Income -- Like an annuity trust, a charitable remainder annuity trust provides an income. But, unlike the annuity trust, the income will increase or decreased with the value of the assets placed in the trust. Gifts through remainder trusts also have the potential advantage of the avoidance of capital gains on property contributed.

Gifts of Real Estate -- When you make an outright, irrevocable gift of real property to the American Red Cross, you may be eligible for a charitable income tax deduction equal to the full fair market value of the property. A donor who gives this type of gift may save capital gains tax on gain, while benefiting by a substantial charitable deduction.

Creative Gifts Through Retirement Plans -- Once retired, you may accumulate funds from a company pension plan or IRA that exceed your need for comfortably supporting your lifestyle. It may be tax wise for you to make a testamentary gift from such accounts that will perpetuate work vital for the well-being of future generations.

Revocable Living Trusts -- At the termination of a revocable living trust , a portion of the assets in the trust can be used for charitable bequest through a will, such a gift may be deductible from estate taxes and can be delayed until all family members have been provided for. This type of trust can protect you and your family and benefit the American Red Cross when you no longer need the assets.

A Large Gift at Little Cost Through Life Insurance -- One of the simplest ways to make a significant gift is to name a Red Cross chapter to receive all or part of the proceeds of a policy no longer needed for its original purpose. Ownership of a policy also may be transferred to the Red Cross with significant tax benefits. An additional way you can make a gift of insurance is to name the American Red Cross, Westmoreland County Chapter as a beneficiary or co-beneficiary on a new policy.

A Gift of Lasting Significance -- There may be no better way you can pay tribute to another than through a memorial gift. All the above-mentioned types of giving can include a memorial tribute to a loved one.