Please remember that it is always best to discuss any of the following with your legal or tax advisor.

What is a planned gift?

A planned gift is a way to support Reconnect Rochester’s mission in the future—often through your will, retirement account, or another part of your estate plan. It’s called “planned” because it’s arranged now but typically takes effect later, helping to ensure a future where everyone can safely and easily get around.

Do I have to be wealthy to make a planned gift?

Not at all. A legacy gift is a way for people of all means to make a lasting impact. You don’t have to be wealthy to leave a legacy. A gift of any size helps us continue to advocate for equitable, people-first streets and a transportation network that serves everyone.

What are the most common planned gifts? 

The most common are:

 

• A gift in your will or trust
• Naming Reconnect Rochester as a beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance
• Gifts that pay you income (like a charitable gift annuity)

What’s the easiest way to leave a gift? 

Adding a few sentences to your will is often the simplest way.

 

Here’s one example: “I give [% of my estate, residual or what’s left after other bequests are paid, or $.] to Reconnect Rochester, a nonprofit organization located in Rochester, New York, Tax ID# [16-1445025], to be used for its general purposes.”

 

We’re happy to help you with suggested language you can share with your attorney.

Can I choose how my gift will be used? 

Yes. While many donors choose to make an unrestricted gift (so it can be used where most needed), you can also designate your gift to support a specific aspect of our work, such as:

 

• Our advocacy for a more connected bike network
• Our work to improve public transit
• Projects that make streets safer for pedestrians
• Our community engagement and education programs

We’re happy to work with you to ensure your wishes are honored in a manner that also addresses our strategic goals and helps build a more vibrant and equitable community.

Are there tax benefits?

Planned gifts may reduce income taxes, capital gains taxes, and estate taxes-depending on the type of gift and your financial situation. For example:

 

A gift of appreciated stock may help you avoid capital gains tax.

 

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA (if you’re 70% or older) can lower your taxable income.

 

We recommend talking with your financial advisor to determine what works best for you.

Do I have to tell you about my planned gift? 

No, your planned gift may be kept confidential. If you feel comfortable, we would love to hear from you so we can acknowledge your planned giving and thank you accordingly.

Can I change my mind later?

Absolutely. Most planned gifts are revocable, which means you can change your beneficiaries or gift amount at any time.

What do I need to get started?

All you need is a conversation-with your financial advisor, your attorney, or us. We’re happy to answer questions, provide sample language, and help you create a gift that fits your values and your situation.

Still Have Questions?

Reach out to: Kristin at Kristin@reconnectrochester.org or 585.484.0737

All conversations are confidential and without obligation.

What is a Donor Advised Fund?

A donor advised fund is a tax-advantaged charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations, like Reconnect Rochester. Anyone can open a DAF; you don’t have to be extremely wealthy or a financial expert.

 

Easy and tax-savvy, it makes sense that donor-advised funds are the fastest growing giving vehicle. Contact a financial advisor or institution to determine if a donor advised fund is right for you.

 

To learn more about establishing a DAF, talk to your financial advisor.

What if I already have a donor advised fund? 

If you already have a donor advised fund, you may recommend a grant to Reconnect Rochester by contacting your financial institution or fund manager and letting them know how much you would like to donate. The grant will arrive directly to Reconnect Rochester.

 

Please make a special request for your name and address to be included with your distribution, as many funds from DAFs come without a name, so we can properly thank you for your generosity.

 

DONOR ADVISED FUND TRANSFER

If you’re 70 ½ years of age or older, you can make a tax-free charitable gift from your traditional or Roth IRA (sometimes called a Qualified Charitable Distribution), potentially reducing your taxable income. The maximum amount you can donate changes yearly based on inflation. You can give directly to charitable nonprofits, like Reconnect Rochester from your individual retirement accounts without it being treated as taxable income, however, these distributions must be paid directly from the IRA custodian to an eligible charitable organization.

 

If you’re 73 or older, you’ll need to start taking withdrawals from your IRA. This is a great opportunity to support non-profit organizations! You can choose to give all or a portion of your withdrawal directly to a nonprofit like Reconnect Rochester, and in doing so, you won’t have to pay income tax on the amount you donate.

 

Consult your plan administrator or your tax advisors for more information.

What information will I need to provide to my IRA administrator?

Checks should be made payable to Reconnect Rochester and mailed to:

 

Reconnect Rochester
400 Andrews St
Suite 100A
Rochester, NY 14604
EIN: 16-1445025

 

Memo Line: If possible, please include your name in the memo line, as often these checks come to us without any donor information. Ex: “IRA QCD donation from (your name)”.

Ready to go Car Lite, car-free, or need a new one altogether? Donate your car, get a tax deduction and support Reconnect Rochester. Donating your car helps to support our community as a place where everyone can easily and safely get around, regardless of age, ability, income or mode of transportation.

 

The vehicle donation program accept all types of vehicles:

 

• cars
• trucks
• motorcycles
• trailers
• boats
• and more!

Are there any costs?

 

There is no cost to the donor. All expenses are deducted from the gross sales price, and if the costs ever exceed the price, those costs are covered by our vehicle donation program provider CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services).

 

https://careasy.org/reconnect-rochester

How it Works

1. Call us at 855-500-RIDE or 855-500-7433
2. We will tow your vehicle at no cost to you!
3. Get a tax deductible receipt and help our cause.

Making a Donation is EASY!

 

It’s as easy as filling out the online donation form or picking up a phone and speaking to a live operator.

 

If you have any questions just call one of our friendly operators toll-free at 855-500-RIDE or 855-500-7433 seven days a week.

Are you celebrating a milestone like a birthday or wedding, or just love Reconnect Rochester that you want to help us raise funds to support multimodal transportation?

 

You can inspire others in your community about Reconnect Rochester’s mission. Here are a few examples of fundraisers you can do (and we can help!). Email us at info@reconnectrochester.org to get started!

 

• “Car free Commute” Challenge: Pledge to commute to work (or to a favorite spot) exclusively by bike, on foot, or by bus for a set amount of time, like a week or a month. We can help you set up a personal fundraising page and you would ask friends and family to donate a certain amount per day or per week they complete your pledge.
• Car-Free Dinner Party: Host a dinner party for friends and family and ask them to get there car-free. You can talk about Reconnect Rochester’s mission (or a staff member can drop-in to help), and attendees can make a donation in lieu of bringing a bottle of wine or a dish.
• Birthday or special occasion fundraiser: Host a birthday, holiday dinner or wedding celebration and ask friends and family to donate to Reconnect Rochester instead of buying them a gift.
• Reconnect Rochester Trivia Night: Do you love Reconnect and trivia? Blend them together and help us plan a trivia night gathering at an easily accessible bar or restaurant.