Membership

The Swiss Benevolent Society receives no government support, Swiss or American, but is funded by contributions from the Swiss community. Every penny donated is used exclusively for our program services. Administrative expenses are defrayed from other sources, such as paid services provided for other Swiss organizations.

There are many ways to give to the Swiss Benevolent Society of New York and to other charities that you may support. Some of them provide tax benefits of which you may not be aware.

The Internal Revenue Service recognizes the SBS as a non-profit corporation under Code 501(c)(3).  Your donations and contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.


Ways to contribute

Cash

The simplest and most immediate way to give is cash – by either sending us a check or by  clicking here to pay online.  Cash gifts are fully deductible up to 50% of the donor’s adjusted gross income.  There are no membership forms to fill out; your check will serve as your application.

Each donor is a member of the Society for the calendar year in which the contribution is made and will be listed in the appropriate category in our annual report.
If your employer participates in a matching gift program, the value of your donation to the SBS will multiply. Please inform your employer of your gift to us; we will be happy to provide all necessary forms and information.

Appreciated Securities

The Internal Revenue Service allows you to take a tax deduction on the full fair-market value of appreciated securities you donate to a charity. You must have held the securities for a minimum period of twelve months or longer. Even with a 20% tax rate, significant tax savings may be achieved, because your donation is exempt from capital gains taxes.. These gifts may be deductible up to 30% of the donor's adjusted gross income.

Real Estate

Real estate, in some cases, can be given outright, and a charitable income tax deduction equal to the property's fair market value is received by the donor.

Legacies

You may wish to bequeath a specific amount or a percentage of your estate to the "Swiss Benevolent Society of New York" in your Last Will and Testament, or name us as a beneficiary in your Living Trust. A legacy to the SBS may reduce your estate taxes without depleting current assets.

Life Insurance

You may have a life insurance policy that is no longer needed to protect your family. Why not consider changing the beneficiary to the "Swiss Benevolent Society of New York?"

Charitable Trusts

Different types of trusts (e.g., charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust) may be established that meet your current needs for either ongoing income or immediate tax deductions, and that will benefit the SBS in the long run. These trusts are administered by a fiduciary and are guided by strict regulations.