The MEF Legacy Society

In 2016, MEF’s Executive Committee established the Foundation for the Middle East Forum (FMEF) to ensure the Forum’s long-term viability.

Donors are encouraged to create a legacy by including MEF in estate plans, including: Charitable Bequests, Life Insurance, Retirement Plans, Charitable Gift Annuities, and Charitable Trusts

MEF partners with Raymond James Charitable to maximize the impact of each estate plan to ensure the greatest possible outcome for MEF and for the donor. This presentation explains how this can work for you:

Your gift will enhance the Forum’s capabilities while allowing you to transfer more wealth to your heirs at a lower cost. Each of the following 4 methods serves a different purpose and fits a specific investment plan:

A bequest does not cost you anything during your lifetime and can lessen the tax burden on your heirs. You retain full ownership and control of your assets during your life; the gift goes to the Forum only upon your death. There is the added benefit of an estate tax deduction for the value of the gift. How to donate with a charitable bequest:

1. Notify MEF of your intention to leave a charitable bequest and join our Legacy Society.
2. Designate a portion of your estate to the MEF (either a percentage or a specific amount)
   Residuary Bequest - MEF is given a percentage of the residuary estate.
   Outright Bequest - MEF is given a specific dollar amount or a specific asset.
3. After the donor’s passing, the trustee transfers the money or real estate to MEF.

The multiplier effect of a charitable gift of life insurance helps the Middle East Forum beyond your personal finances. The endowed gift will be substantially larger than the amount used to fund the insurance policy. Proceeds pass directly to MEF free of federal income and estate taxes, probate, and administrative costs, and without delay, fees, or transfer costs. Gifts of life insurance are especially affordable for younger donors, allowing an opportunity to make sizable gifts. How to donate life insurance:

1. Contribute a life insurance policy to the Middle East Forum, naming MEF as its owner and beneficiary.
2. Take income tax deductions on your premium payments.
3. The death benefit goes to MEF after the donor’s passing.

Designating the Middle East Forum as a beneficiary of your retirement plan allows a substantial donation at a minimum cost to your family. IRAs, 401Ks, and Keogh Plans are all subject to estate and income taxes, but gifting it to a charity avoids these taxes. This type of gift is easy and can be done at no cost. Note that your beneficiary can be changed at any time. How to donate a Retirement Plan:

1. Notify MEF of your intention to name us as beneficiary of your retirement plan and inform your retirement plan administrator that the Middle East Forum is the beneficiary.
2. Continue to take withdrawals during your lifetime as needed or desired.

There are three ways to set up a trust. Each one serves a different purpose:
Charitable Remainder Trust: This highly-recommended estate planning tool allows you to donate your assets to the Forum while providing an income stream to you and your family. A charitable remainder trust has significant tax advantages for your children and beneficiaries during your lifetime. How to donate a charitable remainder trust:

1. Establish a remainder trust to provide income payments to you and/or your family.
2. Place appreciated real estate or securities in the charitable remainder trust.
3. Benefit, in most cases, from reduced estate taxes.
4. After the donor’s passing, the assets go to the Middle East Forum.

Charitable Lead Trust: This is an outstanding way to give charity today, eventually leaving the asset to your heirs. It transfers assets to your heirs with significant tax advantages while making a gift to the Middle East Forum. Appreciated real estate is often an excellent asset to place in a charitable trust. How to donate a charitable lead trust.

1. Establish a charitable lead trust that will make income payments to MEF for a predetermined number of years.
2. After the trust term ends or you pass away, the remaining assets are distributed to you or your family, free of estate, gift, and income taxes.

Retained Life Estate: This allows you to donate a home to the Middle East Forum and take a substantial tax deduction while retaining the right to live in it for the rest of your life. How to donate a retained life estate:

1. Deed your home to MEF, but retain the right to live there for the rest of your life.
2. Receive a charitable income tax deduction for the value of your home.
3. Continue to live on your property for as long as you want.
4. You are responsible for expenses: maintenance fees, insurance, property taxes, repairs, etc.
5. After the donor’s passing, the property is transferred to the Forum.

Please inform us of your intention to plan your giving, so we can recognize you as a member of the MEF Legacy Society and work with you, your family, and your financial advisor to develop a personalized approach.

MEF is a publicly supported, nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax-ID 23-774-9796. For more information, view our IRS letter of determination.

Privacy Policy: The Middle East Forum is committed to protecting the privacy of each donor’s personal information. The Middle East Forum securely maintains records of each donor’s giving history solely for our internal use and record keeping. The Middle East Forum will only report the donor’s personal information to the appropriate government agencies as required by law. The Middle East Forum will not intentionally give, rent, sell or share any of the donor’s personal information with a third party except as required by law. The Middle East Forum supports the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Donor Bill of Rights.