Investor Levels
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Investor Levels
BENEFACTOR
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $500,000+
CORNERSTONE
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $250,000 to $499,999
DIAMOND
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $100,000 to $249,999
OPAL
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $75,000 to $99,999
EMERALD
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $50,000 to $74,999
RUBY
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $25,000 to $49,999
SAPPHIRE
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $10,000 to $24,999
GARNET
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $5,000 to $9,999
JADE
Cumulative Contributions Totaling $2,500 to $4,999
MEMBER
Cumulative Contributions Totaling up to $2,499
Areas of Giving
Unrestricted Funds (proactive and responsive): Unrestricted funds are not specifically designated for use by cause or area of interest. Unrestricted funds give Advance Bristol the ability to respond to pressing and often changing needs in the community. The Board of Advance Bristol oversees the use of these funds and determines how they will be utilized and/or distributed, i.e., economic development initiatives, façade improvements, beautification and/or downtown development projects, housing developments, matching and/or collaborative grants, etc. This includes both endowed and non-endowed funds.
Donor Advised Funds (involved annual giving): Donor-advised funds are established by individuals, families and/or companies who wish to actively participate in Advance Bristol objectives. Donors recommend projects, community initiatives or other organizations they would like to see Advance Bristol support. It is easy to donate to multiple causes through a donor-advised fund. This is a non-endowed fund.
Endowment Funds (support in perpetuity): An endowment is a permanent fund that provides dependable, perpetual income to be used to support Advance Bristol programs, projects and/or community initiatives, or for other purposes specified by the donor(s) to the endowment.
Designated Funds (ongoing support): Donors who wish to support a specific project or cause can establish a designated fund. If the original project or cause ceases to exist, becomes obsolete or is unable to perform its initial intent, with the permission of the donor, the Advance Bristol Board is able to redirect the funds to another similar project or cause without expensive legal action. This is usually an endowed fund.
Field of Interest Funds (target specific issues): The donor decides the general purpose of the fund, such as economic development projects, arts/culture/history, downtown beautification improvements, business support and/or education initiatives, etc. Advance Bristol will identify projects and/or will work directly with other non-profit organizations and/or other community partners that are effectively accomplishing that goal, i.e., Believe in Bristol, Chamber of Commerce, school systems, local governments, developers, etc. At the donor’s request, use of the funds is restricted to a specified area of interest, but flexibility remains to adjust for changing situations. This is an endowed fund.
Scholarship Funds (educational support for students): Scholarship funds can be structured to benefit students at any education level or for a specific institution. Some donors choose to stay involved through advisory relationships while others name advisory committees to assist in the selection of recipients. The Advance Bristol staff will handle the necessary paperwork and ensure that the scholarships are distributed in an equitable manner. This is an endowed fund.
Accepted Assets
Cash
A check is an easy and convenient way to support worthy causes through the Community Foundation. Donors may claim a tax deduction of up to 60% of adjusted gross income in any one year when deductions are itemized, with any excess carried forward for an additional five years.
Securities
Appreciated securities donated to Advance Bristol are deductible at their full market value up to 30% of adjusted gross income each year when deductions are itemized. Any excess may be carried forward five additional years. Advance Bristol will liquidate the securities and no capital gains tax is paid on the appreciated part of the gift. Securities that can be accepted include publicly traded stocks and bonds, closely held business interests, restricted stock, partnership interests (including family limited partnerships), and mutual funds.
Real Estate
Advance Bristol can accept personal residences, farms, commercial buildings, and undeveloped land. Property owned for more than a year will qualify for a deduction based on the fair market value of the property and avoid payment of capital gains tax. The deduction is limited for real property that is subject to a mortgage or loan. Deductions for real estate donations in the year given are also subject to limitation based on adjusted gross income, but the excess may be carried forward for five years.