How To Make A Gift

Multi-Year Pledges

Most major gifts to the campaign are structured as multi-year pledges, typically fulfilled over three to five years. This approach allows you to make a more substantial commitment than you might through a single gift, while aligning payments with your cash flow, income planning, and tax strategy. For example, a $500,000 gift pledged over five years requires annual payments of $100,000—a manageable commitment for many donors that creates transformational impact for the hospital. We work with you to create a pledge schedule that fits your financial planning, with annual, semi-annual, or quarterly payment options. Pledge payments can be made through any of the methods described below.

Tax-Advantaged Giving Strategies

Gifts of Stock and Securities

Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to Reading Hospital Foundation offers significant tax advantages:

• Full fair market value income tax deduction
• Elimination of capital gains tax on appreciation
• Potential reduction in estate taxes

How to transfer securities: Contact your broker and request an electronic transfer to Reading Hospital Foundation. Please call us at 484-628-8666 so we can provide you with our brokerage account information and ensure we properly credit your gift.

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD)

If you are 70½ years old or older, you can make a tax-free donation directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to Reading Hospital Foundation. Benefits include:
 

• Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
• Excluded from your taxable income (potentially lowering your tax bracket)
• May reduce taxes on Social Security benefits
• You can donate up to $100,000 per year through an IRA QCD

Legacy & Estate Planning

Bequests
Including Reading Hospital Foundation in your will or trust is one of the most common and flexible ways to leave a legacy. A bequest can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residue after other bequests are fulfilled. Sample bequest language: "I give [amount/percentage/residue] to Reading Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 23-1984305), located in Reading, Pennsylvania, to be used for [general purposes/specific purpose]." Many donors establish bequest intentions during their lifetime and choose to be recognized now as members of our legacy society, while retaining the ability to modify their plans as circumstances change.

Beneficiary Designations
You can name Reading Hospital Foundation as a full or partial beneficiary of retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s), life insurance policies, or other financial accounts. This is particularly tax-efficient for retirement accounts, as charities do not pay income tax on inherited retirement assets that individuals would. Simply contact your account administrator and request a beneficiary designation form. This gift method requires no attorney and can be changed at any time.

Charitable Gift Trusts
For donors seeking both charitable impact and personal financial benefits, charitable remainder trusts provide fixed or variable income streams for life while supporting Reading Hospital Foundation. These planned giving vehicles offer immediate income tax deductions, potential capital gains tax avoidance, and estate tax reduction, while providing you or your beneficiaries with reliable income. Our gift planning team can work with you and your professional advisors to determine if these strategies align with your financial and philanthropic goals.

How to make an IRA QCD: Contact your IRA administrator (Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, etc.) and request a direct transfer to Reading Hospital Foundation. The check must be made payable to the Foundation—not to you—and sent directly from your IRA custodian. Please contact us at 484-628-8666 for assistance.

Donor-Advised Funds
If you have a donor-advised fund (DAF) through Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, National Philanthropic Trust, or another sponsor, you can recommend a grant to Reading Hospital Foundation. Simply log into your DAF account, search for Reading Hospital Foundation (Tax ID: 23-1984305), and submit your grant recommendation. This is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to give.

Matching Gifts
Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple your contribution. Check with your Human Resources department to see if your company matches charitable gifts. Some companies also match gifts made by retirees, spouses, and board members. Matching gift forms can typically be submitted online or through your company's HR portal.

Gifts of Appreciated Assets

Real Estate
Gifts of real estate—including primary residences, vacation homes, commercial properties, farms, or undeveloped land—can provide substantial tax benefits while eliminating the hassle of selling property. You receive a full fair market value tax deduction, avoid capital gains tax on appreciation, and may reduce estate taxes. Some donors retain the right to live in their home for life (retained life estate) while receiving an immediate tax deduction. Our team facilitates the entire process, working with your advisors and handling due diligence, title transfer, and sale if appropriate.

Other Appreciated Assets
In addition to securities and real estate, we can accept gifts of closely-held business interests, partnership interests, artwork, collectibles, and other tangible personal property. Each situation is unique and requires individual evaluation. We're happy to discuss how these assets might be structured as charitable gifts.

Working With You
Making a significant philanthropic investment is an important decision. Our team provides confidential, personalized counsel to help you structure a gift that achieves your charitable objectives while maximizing tax benefits. We work collaboratively with your financial advisors, attorneys, and accountants to ensure your gift plan aligns with your overall financial and estate planning. Whether you're considering an outright gift, a multiyear pledge, or a more complex planned giving arrangement, we're here to answer questions and provide guidance every step of the way.