How to Contribute to Encore Learning
Donations to Encore Learning may be made in different ways. Some members support us with a contribution when they register. Donations may be directed toward our General Fund or the Arthur W. Gosling Scholarship Fund, whichever you specify. Gifts may be made in memory of or in honor of an individual.
Encore Learning also supports the Encore Learning Endowment Scholarship Fund in Honor of John T. McCracken at George Mason University. Contributions to this scholarship may be made directly to the fund.
End of Year Giving and Tax Savings
There are three simple ways you can support Encore Learning and your other favorite charities and save on taxes. Your generous gifts are essential to sustaining the offerings of Encore Learning.
If you are considering making a charitable gift to the by the end of the year, you may wish to do so in a way that also provides you with tax savings. Here are some options:
1. Give appreciated assets
Giving securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, that have increased in value is a one way to support your favorite nonprofit. For securities held longer than one year, you may deduct the full fair-market value, subject to applicable limitations. If you do not itemize deductions, you may still benefit by avoiding capital gains tax that would be due upon the sale of the asset. Giving highly appreciated assets often results in a significant tax benefit, thereby reducing the cost of the gift.
2. Give from an IRA
IRA owners who are age 70 ½ or older can give up to $100,000 directly to charity from their IRA, tax-free with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). The amount of the charitable distribution can be excluded from your federal income, lowering your overall tax liability. This option provides tax savings even if you do not itemize deductions.
For this type of distribution, the donor should maintain good written records so that when the associated 1099-R form is received, the amount of the QCD needs to be manually deducted from the amount in box 1 (Gross distribution) in order to properly compute the amount in box 2 (Taxable amount). Also, the amount of the QCD lowers the donor's Adjusted Gross Income and this may lower the Medicare premiums that are based on AGI.
If you are using an IRA checkbook to make gifts, the date of gift is established when the IRA administrator transfers the funds after the charity deposits the check, not when the check is postmarked or delivered. The time it takes the IRA administrator to transfer the funds varies. Please contact your administrator as soon as possible to ensure your gift is completed by December 31.
Naming Encore Learning as a beneficiary of all, or a percentage of your IRA, or other tax-deferred retirement account tax-wise way to provide future support for Encore Learning.
3. Give from a donor-advised fund
Giving to the University from your donor-advised fund (DAF) is simple. If you recommend a grant to the Encore Learning Foundation, your DAF administrator will distribute the grant directly. If you would like to designate your gift for a specific campus, college, or program, please provide that information to your DAF administrator at the time you request the grant. Most DAFs also allow donors to recommend the charities that will receive the remaining fund assets after they have passed away. If you would like the Encore Learning to receive all or a portion of the remainder of your fund, please contact your DAF administrator.
Or simply go online and make your tax deductible donation. https://encorelearning.asapconnected.com/#DonationID=142
Encore Learning is featured in the Arlington Community Foundation Wish Catalog as well as the Arlington Magazine Give Local catalog.
If you are unsure which gift option may be best for you, or how you would like your gift to be used, please contact Lora Pollari-Welbes, Encore Learning Executive Director at 703-228-2144, extension 3.
Encore Learning EIN: 55-0848376
Mailing address:
Encore Learning
2110 Washington Boulevard, Suite 349
Arlington VA 22204