Planned Giving: The Program that Benefits the Donor and the Charity
Since 1946, the Society has worked to end the devastating effects of MS. Treatments have improved, and valuable programs are offered throughout the country for those with MS, their families, and their friends. If you are a loyal supporter of the Society, you can ensure that your gifts continue through making a planned gift to the Society. If you have not yet made an annual gift, a planned gift can be a wonderful way to support us.
Gifts can be given through a variety of vehicles, including wills/bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, insurance or retirement plans.
While these gifts greatly benefit the Long Island Chapter, they also benefit you—the donor.
Potential benefits may include:
- Reduction of your current and future income taxes
- Reduction of your estate tax
- Avoidance or minimization of capital gains tax on appreciated securities or other property
- Lifetime income for yourself or a beneficiary of your choice
- Creation of a future income for a loved one
- Creation of a legacy of hope for those with MS, their families, and their friends
While the primary benefit that donors receive is the satisfaction of knowing that their generosity makes an impact, you and your heirs could receive significant benefits. With planned gifts, the Long Islanc Chapter is able to provide critical programs and services and research to forward our mission.
The Lawry Circle
The Lawry Circle is a group of generous and caring individuals who have included a gift for the Long Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in their estate plans. This includes people who have bequests in their wills for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as well as those who participate in our Pooled Income Fund and Charitable Gift Annuity programs - gifts that provide them and/or their beneficiaries with income for life before a gift passes to the Society. It also includes those who have made the National MS Society the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or of an IRA or other retirement plan.
- Benefits of Membership
The most meaningful benefit of belonging to The Lawry Circle for most people is the feeling of personal satisfaction they enjoy when they have taken steps to help assure future financial support for the fight against MS.
For many, the substantial tax benefits allowed by the IRS for such commitments are also important and allow our benefactors to give much more than would otherwise be possible. When members leave bequests to the MS Society in their wills, their estates pay no estate taxes on the amounts passing to us. For those who support us via the Pooled Income Fund, Charitable Gift Annuity, or other type of irrevocable life-income plan, there are current income tax charitable deductions available as well as the avoidance of long-term capital gains taxes.
- How to Join The Lawry Circle
There is no minimum amount required to be a member of The Lawry Circle, and there are many ways you might wish to consider joining this important group of supporters of our work.
Regardless of the type of estate gift, it is important to include our correct legal name and address to ensure your gift is used as you desire:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Long Island Chapter
40 Marcus Drive, Suite 100
Melville, New York 11747
You will need the Long Island Chapter's TAX ID.
Please contact Pam Mastrota, President & CEO at 516.740.7227 or 631.864.8337 or email pamela.mastrota@nmss.org.
- Options for estate gifts include the following:
Wills/Bequest
All bequests are important to us regardless of size, and are gratefully received. To make a bequest commitment, simply ask your attorney to revise your current will. Click here for sample language.
Life Income Plans (Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Trusts)
Estate Gifts (Life Insurance, Retirement Plans, etc.)
If you would like more information please contact Pam Mastrota, President & CEO at 516.740.7227 or 631.864.8337 or email pamela.mastrota@nmss.org.