Why donate to The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA)?
The media often exposes us to disturbing images of violence, oppression and poverty on the African continent. Starving children, war-ravaged landscapes and hopeless images of despair fill the airwaves at every mention of the African continent. If you have often wondered what can be done, and have wanted to make a difference, supporting The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) is good way to do so. FDA’s work in the implementation of culturally-based programs designed to strengthen and enhance democracy, freedom and economic plurality throughout Africa require extensive financial and technical support. As the custodian of the AGOA Civil Society Network (which rallies civil society organizations around issues concerning US-African trade), WHADN (which aims to unite the diaspora to contribute to the development of the continent), and the Institute for Democracy in Africa (aimed at education and research) FDA has a great need for your contribution. Your donation will make a great difference in the advancing and implementation of our various projects and initiatives or can be earmarked specifically for a specific program, i.e., the AGOA Civil Society Organization Network and ultimately, make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate and oppressed on the African continent.
For more information about specific FDA projects and initiatives or queries regarding donating online to FDA, please email comments@democracy-africa.org or call 202-331-1333.
Ways to Donate
Donations
Though you are welcome to donate any amount, we suggest you use the below donation levels in choosing the amount you decide to donate.
$50-$99 Donation: Democracy Supporter: Receive certificate of appreciation
$100-$249 Donation: Democracy Advocate: Receive certificate of appreciation and "Africa Can Do! Button
$250 - $999 Donation: Democracy Advocate Plus
Receive certificate of appreciation, "Africa Can Do!" Button, and The Foundation for Democracy in Africa paper weight
$1000 and above Donation: Democracy Champion
Receive certificate of appreciation, "Africa Can Do!" Button, and The Foundation for Democracy in Africa paper weight and mug, and be listed as a donor in FDA's annual report
Securities
Contributing appreciated securities to The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) can benefit you in two ways, as you not only avoid paying capital gains taxes, but you also receive a charitable tax deduction.
Stocks may be transferred either electronically or by mail. Please contact our office for details on transmission instructions and procedures for Transmitting Stock. Please do not mail physical stock certificates to FDA.
For additional information on making a gift of stock, or if you are interested in contributing mutual funds, bonds, or closely held securities, contact donations@democracy-africa.org
Donors may give stock and contribute appreciated securities to The FDA up to and including $10,000 without impinging upon their estate. By giving this way, you benefit in two ways; you not only avoid paying capital gains taxes, but you also receive a charitable tax deduction, because you are gifting assets.
The benefits to FDA are obvious. In giving a gift of stock, you enable The FDA to grow and do more. It's as simple and important as that. Everyone wins. For additional information on making a gift of stock, or if you are interested in contributing mutual funds, bonds, or closely held securities, please contact comments@democracy-africa.org
Life Insurance
Life insurance is a great way to make a much larger gift than many people would ever think possible. It can be an excellent investment and can create substantial assets for the insured and for the beneficiaries. By making a gift of life insurance to The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA), you help to secure the future of FDA programs. US donors who irrevocably assign ownership and beneficial interest in a policy to FDA may also qualify for a charitable tax deduction.
Tax Benefits
• The federal tax laws encourage charitable gifts of life insurance by providing income and estate tax deductions. If you were to give FDA a paid-up policy, your income tax deduction would equal to either the replacement value of the policy or your tax basis (premiums paid), whichever is less. Your estate taxes will also be lower because your estate is reduced by the value of the policy.
How to donate life insurance:
Paid-up policies. You may have a life insurance policy that is no longer needed. You can name the hospital foundation of your choice as the beneficiary and transfer ownership of the policy. Your charitable deduction would be about equal to the policy cash value.
Not yet paid up policies. Your charitable deduction is the approximate cash value and future premium payments on the policy. FDA may consider picking up the payments after discussing the gift with the donor. The minimum face value of the policy in such a case would need to be US$5,000.
Purchase a new policy to guarantee a pledge.
A policy benefiting The FDA but keeping access to the policy's cash value. This is accomplished by simply naming FDA as the beneficiary of the policy. You maintain ownership and access to the policy's cash value. The best language for the beneficiary designation is "The Foundation for Democracy in Africa." For further information, please contact comments@democracy-africa.org
Real Estate
Making a gift of real estate to The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) may afford you certain financial benefits. Please consult with your financial advisor on your personal circumstances.
In order to initiate the process, you must first obtain an independent, qualified appraisal of the property. The value of the property should be at least US$25,000 (or US$10,000 for undeveloped land) if you wish to make an outright gift to FDA. If you are interested in funding a charitable remainder trust, the property should be valued at a minimum of US$100,000.
If you believe that a gift of real estate could benefit you and FDA, please contact our office at comments@democracy-africa.org
Each year, many of The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) members and friends designate a portion of their assets in their estate plan to benefit FDA. Bequests made through wills or living trusts play an important role in securing the future of FDA's programs by building the Permanent Fund. These commitments also enable individuals to make gifts that may not have been possible during their lifetimes.
Bequests can take various forms:
A specific bequest directs that FDA receive a specific piece of property: “I give...1000 shares of my ABC stock”. A residual bequest designates in its entirety or a portion of whatever remains after all debts, taxes, and expenses have been accounted and paid: “I give...75 percent of the next residue and remainder of my estate”. Contingent bequests take effect only when certain conditions have been met with: “In the event that my spouse does not survive me, I give to FDA, the sum of...”
To request more information on charitable bequests, please contact us at comments@democracy-africa.org
Tangible Personal Property
Gifts of tangible personal property such as jewelry or artwork are given careful consideration on a case-by-case basis.
The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA)'s general guidelines specify that gifts of jewelry be worth at least US$10,000 and that gifts of artwork be valued at a minimum of US$25,000. Gifts must also be accompanied by a qualified appraisal, photograph, and supporting materials such as authentication papers.
If you are interested in making a gift of tangible personal property, please contact us at comments@democracy-africa.org
Donor Advised Funds
The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a convenient way for you to simplify your charitable giving and take advantage of tax savings at the same time.
A FDA-DAF is an investment account earmarked exclusively for charitable giving that provides you with the opportunity to make grant recommendations to The FDA and your other preferred charities when it's convenient for you. In many ways, establishing a DAF is like having your own foundation to support the causes you believe in, but without the hassles and paperwork that go along with operating one.
DAFs may be established by individuals or by Foundation-affiliated groups and offer these benefits:
• Support to FDA and other preferred charities.
• Immediate tax benefits.
• Professional asset management.
• Flexibility to make grant recommendations on your timetable.
• Easy record keeping and tax reporting.
• Online access to all aspects of managing the DAF accounts.
• Donor recognition.
To learn more:
Contact FDA at comments@democracy-africa.org
Life Income Agreements
Have you ever thought about making a contribution to The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) during your lifetime but were concerned about outliving your resources, meeting family obligations, or planning for retirement?
With careful planning, it is possible to enjoy the advantages of a life income gift as listed below and turn appreciated assets into an income for yourself or others. Life income agreements may be one way for you to make a significant charitable contribution during your lifetime while furthering your financial plans and security.
Benefits to you:
• Annual income for you and/or another beneficiary
• An immediate federal income tax deduction.
• Potential estate tax savings.
• Increased income from low-yielding assets.
• Avoidance or reduction of capital gains taxes on gifts of appreciated assets.
• The opportunity to be recognized as a Major Donor to FDA.
• Satisfaction in knowing that your contribution will make a difference in many lives and affect the development of Africa.
For further information, please contact comments@democracy-africa.org.