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Building a Legacy of Generosity

Ruth and Virgil JohnsonMarried nearly 55 years, the values of their rural South Dakota childhoods still motivate Ruth and Virgil Johnson. They learned early on that helping one another isn't extraordinary; it's what you do.

Noting how they helped other farmers in times of injury or illness, Ruth said, "You did many charitable things you didn't think about. It's what everybody did."

The Johnsons are members of Mosaic's Legacy Society and have remembered Mosaic in their estate plan. They are moved by the work Mosaic does, providing care for people with disabilities.

"Mosaic's goal is to help people accomplish something," Virgil said. He knows that work first-hand, having served as a board member years ago. "If it wasn't for organizations like Mosaic to come around and help, I don't know who would."

Ruth remembers knowing only a few people with disabilities when she was growing up. Virgil noted they "were more hidden than now. You didn't expect them to get out and do things or to have jobs."

The couple's awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities grew through the activities of their own children, now all in their 40s.

"Our younger two children went to school with children with disabilities," Ruth said. "The kids would go and read to them or work with them."

Two of their children also worked with people with disabilities while in college; one worked for Mosaic's legacy organization, Bethphage. Ruth remembers the people she supported coming to her graduation and "hooting and hollering for her" when their daughter walked across the stage.

The Johnson's involvement with Mosaic goes beyond giving. They serve on the National Leadership Council for Mosaic's Called to be Bold comprehensive campaign.

Their continued involvement and giving comes from a place of gratitude, Ruth said, but also other reasons.

It's rewarding," she said. "You feel like you're helping someone. Sometimes it doesn't take much to make people happy."

Ways to Give: Planned Gifts

Consider becoming a member of the Mosaic Legacy Society. There are a number of options for creating a gift in your estate that can benefit Mosaic and you.

Some options include bequests, charitable trusts, gift annuities and life insurance. Remembering Mosaic as a beneficiary of your estate plan will provide a lasting legacy of your commitment to Mosaic's mission. These gifts should be considered within the full framework of your estate plan and after seeking professional counsel.

Contact Jaime Corsar at 402.896.3884, Ext. 31106 or jaime.corsar@mosaicinfo.org for more information on Mosaic's planned giving services and how we can help you secure your legacy.

Ways to Give: Retirement Assets

Don't miss the chance to make a charitable IRA gift this year! If you are 70½ or older and own a traditional IRA, please consider making an IRA charitable rollover gift to Mosaic this year.

A gift from your IRA to Mosaic may reduce your taxable income while helping Mosaic provide a life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Contact your plan administrator to make a qualified transfer from your IRA to Mosaic.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Mosaic a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give [specific dollar amount, description of specific property, all the residue, or a percent of the residue] to The Mosaic Foundation, Omaha, Nebraska, a non-profit Nebraska corporation, to (select one):

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Mosaic or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Mosaic as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Mosaic as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Mosaic where you agree to make a gift to Mosaic and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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