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Our mission is to support and encourage the foreign policy debate in Baltimore and the wider Middle Atlantic region. In a democracy like ours, we all need to be well-informed so we can monitor what our elected leaders are doing in foreign affairs and what they’re failing to do.

Our dues are low: to ensure everyone can afford to attend. Our aspirations are high: to objectively address the really tough issues in American foreign policy. Our aspirations are high: to address the really tough issues in American foreign policy. Your contribution will enable us to continue producing strong programs and to expand our reach. All contributions –beyond members’ dues – are a tax-deductible charitable donation. So please contribute!

All donations other than membership dues are tax deductible.

The Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs welcome bequests.

The language you use in a Will or Trust that establishes your gift to charities, including the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, Inc. (including its lawful successors), depends on your unique circumstances and charitable objectives.  We hope these sample provisions – whether used individually or in combination – will be helpful to you and your attorney.

Unrestricted General Legacy

“I give to the Endowment Fund of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, Inc. (including its lawful successors), 401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1611, Baltimore, MD 21202, $__________ [or an amount equal to ____________ percent (________% of my adjusted gross estate as finally determined for federal tax purposes”]

Amount of Gift Dependent on Size of the Estate

“I give the Endowment Fund of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, Inc. (including its lawful successors), 401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1611, Baltimore, MD 21202, an amount equal to __________ percent (_______%) of my adjusted gross estate as finally determined for federal tax purposes, or ________________ dollars ($__________), whichever is larger.”

Gift of Residuary Estate

“I give the residue of the property owned by me at the time of my death, real and personal and wherever situate, to the Endowment Fund of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, Inc. (including its lawful successors), 401 E. Pratt Street, Suit 1611, Baltimore, MD 21202.”

Specific Legacy

“I give my real property [or my (collection of photographs, books, and paintings)] located at _____________ to the Endowment Fund of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, Inc. (including its lawful successors), 401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1611, Baltimore, MD 21202.”  NOTE: the BCFA will accept gifts of real or personal property subject to approval by the BCFA Board of Trustees.”

Example of Wording For a “Contingent” Gift of Residuary Estate

“I give the residue of the property owned by me at my death, real and personal and wherever situate, to my [son/daughter] _____________________ if [he/she] survives me.  If [he/she] does not survive me, I give my residuary estate to the Endowment Fund of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, Inc. (including its lawful successors), 401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1611, Baltimore, MD 21202.”

Provision Allowing for Both Income Tax and Estate Tax Benefits

“I instruct that all of my charitable gifts, bequests, and devises shall be made, to the extent possible, from property that constitutes “income in respect to the decedent” (IRD) as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code.”  NOTE:  Gifts involving IRD, such as gifts from IRAs, 401(k), and 403(b) plans, ordinarily will involve planning and drafting with your estate planning attorney to ensure the most tax efficient use of these assets.

Proper Name

The proper name to use for a beneficiary designation in a will, trust, life insurance or annuity contract, retirement plan, and investment or bank account is “The Endowment Fund of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, Inc. (including its lawful successors), 401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1611, Baltimore, MD 21202.”