Charitable Giving in Kansas City, Missouri

Find the right Charitable Giving attorney in Kansas City, MO

In Kansas City, Missouri, charitable giving is when a person gives something to an organization or individual, without consideration (getting something directly in return). This is for the purpose of advancing some type of cause, helping people in need, or any other altruistic motive.

In life, charitable giving usually simply involves writing a check or handing cash over to the charitable organization of the donor's choice.

What if, however, you want to give all or most of your assets to a charity, to really make a big difference? This is often not practical while the donor is alive, since they presumably have expenses, and want to maintain for themselves the lifestyle to which they're accustomed. However, there are a few arrangements allowing you to have your assets transferred to a charity after your death.

If you decide to make a sizable donation to a charity that will not actually occur until after your death, the easiest (and most commonly-used) method is to simply leave the desired amount of money or property to the charitable organization in your will.

Charitable Trusts in Kansas City, Missouri

A charitable trust is an arrangement by which a large amount of money can be given to a charity after the death of the donor, or during the donor's life.

In a charitable trust, the property is still technically owned by the donor, but the recipient retains possession and control over it. As the trustee, the charity is free to use the money for any purpose laid out in the trust agreement. With a charitable trust, trustees are generally only allowed to use the money to advance their organization's charitable mission.

In Kansas City, Missouri, a "charitable remainder trust" is the most common kind of charitable trust. This allows the money or property to immediately pass to the charity of the donor's choice, so they can benefit from it as soon as possible. The charity takes the money, and invests it (generally in reliable, but not necessarily high-yield, investments). They keep most of the income that this generates, but return a portion of it to the donor on a regular basis, for a set period of time. When this time runs out, the original donation, along with all the income it will generate, becomes the legal property of the charity, to dispose of as it pleases.

You should make sure the charity is registered with the Internal Revenue Service, and (if applicable) the taxation authority of .

Do I Need a Kansas City, Missouri Attorney?

If you want to set up a charitable trust, you should first speak with a representative of the charity you want to support. You should also talk with an experienced attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, who will be able to help you navigate the legal details, making it easier to give effect to your intentions.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri is probably best known for its barbeque and Civil War history. "Kansas Citians" enjoy access to some of the best museums around. The Irish Museum and Cultural Center, the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, the Liberty and World War I Memorial, and the American Jazz Museum are all located within Kansas City limits. A number of outstanding examples of Art Deco style and Frank Lloyd Wright architecture can be found throughout the city. The Power and Light Building and Community Christian Church are just two examples.

Kansas City is passionate about food. Kansas City barbeque is best known for its molasses which gives a sweeter taste. Gates and Sons Bar-B-Q was opened in 1946 and serves as the standard in original Kansas City style barbeque. Most people know Kansas City as "KC" like Rich Davis' sauce sensation: KC Masterpiece. The Sprint Center opened in 2007 and hosts Kansas City Chiefs football and Royals major league baseball games. You may not be aware that Kansas City has over 200 fountains. Second most in the entire world after Rome, Italy. Country Club Plaza is designed to look like Seville, Spain and was the first to offer accommodations for people arriving by automobile. "The Plaza" was constructed in 1922 and today is known best for it's colored light display and upscale shopping.

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