How to Donate

Planned Giving

Thank you for considering a planned gift to NAMI San Mateo County (SMC)! A planned gift is any gift given for any amount, given for any purpose—operations, capital expansion, or endowment—whether for current or deferred use by NAMI SMC , which requires the assistance of a professional staff person, a qualified volunteer, or the donor’s advisors to complete. In addition, it includes any gift which is carefully considered by a donor in light of estate and financial plans.

While the most common planned gift is typically made through a bequest in a person’s will or living trust, there are a range of other vehicles for you to consider. The following are a few ways to make a planned gift to NAMI SMC.

A gift in your will or living trust

A simple charitable bequest can provide very meaningful support for our mission as well as reduce the amount of estate and inheritance taxes paid. Bequests may be specific assets or amounts, or they may be proportional or residual in nature.

A gift of a new or existing life insurance policy

Many people have life insurance policies that are no longer needed for their original purposes. Such policies can be given to NAMI SMC and an income tax deduction can be taken for the cash surrender value. Plus, the annual premiums on a new or existing policy given to the organization irrevocably may also be tax-deductible.

A beneficiary designation on your life insurance policy

Without giving up ownership of your life insurance policy, you can still designate NAMI SMC as a whole or partial death beneficiary. Contact your insurance company for a Change of Beneficiary form.

A gift of financial accounts

Most checking, savings and brokerage accounts can be bequeathed to NAMI SMC through a simple “payable on death” designation with your financial institution.

A gift of retirement benefits

Naming NAMI SMC as primary, partial or contingent beneficiary of your retirement plan is a simple, practical gift idea. Contact your plan custodian for the proper beneficiary change forms.

A gift of savings bonds

Many people have fully appreciated savings bonds. These assets cannot be donated during your lifetime without first being converted to cash and, therefore, generating taxable income. By making a gift of savings bonds through your will, you can avoid this tax and support the continuing efforts of NAMI SMC.

More Information

For additional information or to arrange a confidential gift-planning consultation without obligation, please contact our Executive Director at michael@namisanmateo.org​ or (650) 638-0800. The information above is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting or other professional advice.