A Hillel charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between you and Hillel. In return for your gift, Hillel agrees to make fixed payments to you and/or another person you designate, for life, at attractive interest rates.

Is there a minimum gift I must make to establish a Hillel gift annuity?

Yes. You can establish a Hillel charitable gift annuity for as little as $5,000. There is no upper limit.

What assets can I use to make my gift?

You can use cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order, credit card, or appreciated stocks and mutual funds to make your gift.

What are the tax benefits of my gift?

You are eligible to claim a federal income tax deduction in the year you make your gift. In addition, a substantial portion of your guaranteed annual payments will be tax-free. If you make your gift with appreciated stock, you may also save on capital gains taxes. Hillel will send you a tax summary form each year.

How are the annuity rates set?

Hillel, like most other reputable non-profit organizations, follows the gift annuity rates recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities.

Charitable gift annuity rates are based on age. The older the beneficiary, the higher the rate. Many people establish new annuities as they get older, to take advantage of the higher rates.

Because a charitable gift is involved, you may be able to get a higher rate by purchasing a commercial annuity. However, commercial annuities may not provide the same tax benefits as a charitable gift annuity.

This sounds too good to be true. Are charitable gift annuities legal?

Yes, charitable gift annuities are legal. The Internal Revenue Code specifically addresses gift annuities as part of the federal government's policy to encourage contributions to non-profit organizations. In addition, several states have laws regulating gift annuities, and Hillel complies with these requirements.