Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I create income with my gift?

  Yes! PHS has many plans for Gifts That Pay You Income. You can also provide income for a child, a grandchild, a parent, or a friend. That income can increase cash flow now and/or during retirement, pay for a college education, provide income for aging parents, or perhaps assist a loved one with special needs. You can also provide income to PHS by using a Charitable Lead Trust.

• I am unable to make a current gift, but I'd still like to support PHS in the future. Any ideas?

  An easy and low-cost way to make a gift to PHS is to include PHS in your will or revocable trust. Gifts by Will are a major source of endowment support at PHS. Each individual legacy contributes to our financial strength and ability to continue gardening for the greater good. If you have not already done so, please consider putting PHS in your will or revocable trust. See our Bequest Language page for samples of how to do this. You can also designate PHS the beneficiary of Life Insurance, annuities, or Retirement-Plan Benefits.

• What asset should I use to make my gift?

  While cash or a check is a simple way to make a gift, you might want to consider the following:

  Gift Type	Possible Benefits
  Cash	Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Transfer of residential, commercial, or undeveloped real estate	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income Relief from management
  Donate an interest in closely held or family business stock	Reduce the cost of passing the business to heirs Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income
  Give us tangible personal property like art, books, or collectibles	An income-tax charitable deduction
  Make PHS the owner and beneficiary of life insurance or annuities	Income- and estate-tax savings

   

• Can I direct how PHS will use my gift?

  Most often the answer to this is “yes”!! Many donors direct that their gifts be used to fund programs, support specific departments, or remember a loved one. Please be sure to discuss this when you make your gift.

• How will PHS recognize my gift?

  If your gift is a bequest commitment or through life insurance, life-income plans, or lead trusts, you will become a permanent member of our Legacy Society. Of course, we will also honor any requests for gifts to be anonymous.

• Why should I consider a gift to PHS?

  Gifts are made for many different reasons. Often gifts are made:

  • To create a meaningful legacy so future generations can continue to garden for the greater good.
  • To honor a loved one.
  • To ensure PHS will remain a vibrant and critical resource for the communities we serve.
  • To celebrate a special occasion.

Please contact our Planned Giving Officer for more information at 215.988.8894 or by email at PlannedGiving@pennhort.org.