An endowment is one of the best ways you and Five Valleys can build a sustainable future together. Your gift to Five Valleys' Endowment creates a steady, lasting source of income, that grows over time. With your help, we can fulfill our promise to care for the lands we’ve protected in perpetuity.
Bonnie and Roger Savage have been bolstering Five Valleys’ Endowment for several years. Lifelong Montanans, the Savages met at Snowbowl fifty years ago and have been enjoying the great outdoors together ever since. Bonnie and Roger first became Five Valleys' supporters in the mid-90s, when the community was mobilizing to protect Mountain Jumbo.
Dedicated donors, they began helping our Endowment grow and taking advantage of the tax savings from the Montana Endowment Tax Credit five years ago. Montana is one of only a few states where you can receive a federal tax deduction and a state tax credit by making a planned gift towards a permanent endowment.
The state tax credit is significant – 40% of the gift. And, unlike a $1 deduction that is worth $1 multiplied by your marginal tax rate, a $1 tax credit is worth $1 of tax savings. Individuals can receive a state credit of up to $15,000 using this approach. For couples, the maximum is $30,000 per year! Businesses are also eligible and receive a credit of 20% of their donation.
"The tax bite is pretty heavy, so we’re always looking for a way to save on taxes. The tax credit really makes a difference,” says Bonnie.
It is a very simple process to take advantage of this cool tool. The Savages donate through a Deferred Gift Annuity (DGA) to the Montana Community Foundation that is designated for Five Valleys’ Endowment. The Montana Community Foundation invests the funds for tax-free growth.
After a period of five years the Savages have the option to “relinquish” those funds at which time the initial donation and any amount that it has appreciated go toward building our Endowment.
Start securing your financial future and the future of this special place we call home with this simple approach. Learn more by reaching out to:
Minette Johnson, Planned Giving Officer
Phone: 406-519-5191
Email: minette@fvlt.org
Header: Bonnie and Roger Savage on Mount Sentinel courtesy of the Savages
