The Power of Unrestricted Giving: Investing in the Needs of Our Community

Philanthropy takes many forms, and Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is honored every single day to work with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to improve quality of life throughout Sarpy and Cass Counties. Whatever your favorite cause, MCF is here to help you achieve your charitable goals and make a meaningful difference in the communities we call home.

As you contemplate your “philanthropy portfolio” during this year’s giving season, you might consider expanding your community impact by making an unrestricted gift to MCF.

What is an unrestricted gift?

An unrestricted gift is a donation made to a charitable organization, without specific limitations or instructions from the donor about how the money must be spent. In other words, it allows the organization to direct the funds where they are needed most.

When you make an unrestricted gift to MCF, you entrust your charitable dollars to our board of directors and professional staff, who determine how best to use those resources to address our community’s changing needs through our grants program and discretionary giving.

At MCF, all gifts must ultimately benefit the residents and communities of Sarpy County or Cass County. This means your unrestricted gift gives us the flexibility to respond to the most pressing needs and opportunities within these two counties.

MCF addresses a wide range of community needs, including arts and culture, education, community and economic development, health, human services, and much more. Whether it’s supporting local nonprofits, strengthening educational opportunities, promoting economic growth, or addressing critical human needs, unrestricted giving allows MCF to invest in the areas where support can make the greatest difference.

If you want to make a positive impact in your community but aren’t quite sure where your charitable dollars could do the most good, MCF is a wonderful partner. Our broad understanding of local needs and opportunities allows us to take a holistic approach to uplifting Sarpy and Cass counties. An unrestricted gift gives us the flexibility to direct resources where they can have the greatest impact today and into the future.

Ways to Make an Unrestricted Gift

You can certainly give cash to make an unrestricted gift to MCF. Here are other options that may be more tax-advantageous:

• Appreciated Stock or Assets: Giving stock or other long-term appreciated assets directly to MCF can be more tax-efficient than selling them, incurring capital gains tax, and donating the proceeds.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re 70½ or older, you may be able to make an unrestricted gift to MCF or an eligible unrestricted fund through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) made directly from your IRA.
• Planned Giving: Naming MCF as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or IRA and directing the gift to an unrestricted fund is another way to create a lasting legacy and support the future of Sarpy and Cass counties.

As always, please consult your estate planning and tax advisors to learn how each type of gift may or may not apply in your own situation.

Whether you would like to move forward with an unrestricted gift in the near future or simply want to learn more about how MCF can help you achieve your charitable goals, please reach out! Our team is always here to help you explore opportunities to make a difference.

Most of all, thank you for all you do on National Philanthropy Day, during Community Foundation Week, on Giving Tuesday, and every day to make Sarpy and Cass counties better places to live, work, learn, and thrive!