It is not uncommon for viewers and listeners to have purchased life insurance coverage when their families were young and the reason for having this financial protection was clear. As they got older, the insurance benefits became less necessary. A gift of life insurance is an excellent way of supporting WMHT if the policy is no longer needed for its original purpose.

There are several ways you can use life insurance as the basis for a charitable gift.

Making WMHT the beneficiary of your life insurance policy
Much like a bequest in your will, assigning WMHT as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy is a way to make a generous future gift. You retain lifetime ownership of the policy and retain control over the right to cash it in, borrow against it, and even change the beneficiary.

Because you retain ownership of the policy, you will not receive an income tax charitable deduction for the future gift or for the premium payments during your lifetime. The policy'sproceeds will be included in your gross estate and your estate can take an estate tax charitable deduction.

Making a gift of your policy
When considering a contribution to WMHT, a gift of your life insurance could be a sensible as well as generous course of action.

When you transfer ownership of a life insurance policy that has a cash surrender value, you may save taxes this year through an income tax charitable deduction. You may increase after-tax income when the money you were spending on premiums now becomes an additional deductible charitable gift to WMHT.

We'll be responsible for keeping the policy in force. You reduce potential estate taxes because the proceeds are completely removed from your taxable estate.

Wills and Bequests
Charitable Gift Annuities
Remainder Trusts
Lead Trusts
Retirement Plans
Real Estate
Pooled Income Fund
Memorial and Tribute Gifts
Creative Gifts

Jacque LaVista on her Legacy to Public Broadcasting



"I remember what it felt like to nurture something and see it grow.

It is a very interesting symbolism to me because I think public television is very nourishing to the viewer. And if you give something, you'll get something in return."