A gift to us not only demonstrates your belief in our mission but also reinforces your commitment to making a difference in the world.  Many types of gifts allow you to fulfill your charitable intentions and may result in immediate and possible future benefits for you and your family.

Gifts of cash

Cash contributions are deductible as an itemized deduction in the year you make the donation, up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income.  Excess charitable deductions can be carried forward for up to five additional years.

Gifts of Securities

The best stocks to donate are those that have increased in value, particularly those producing a low yield.  In order to preserve tax advantages, it is critical that you give the securities to us rather than liquidate them and give us the proceeds.

Gifts of Life Insurance

You can contribute to life insurance policy to us by naming us as either the owner of the policy or simply as the beneficiary. If you name us as owner and beneficiary, in most cases you will be entitled to an income tax deduction limited to the lower of the fair market value of the policy or your cost basis in the contract.  In addition, if you continue to pay premiums on a policy that we own, you can deduct the future premium payments.

Gifts of Real Estate

If you own property that is not subject to a mortgage and has appreciated, a charitable gift may be an attractive option.  You can claim an income tax deduction for property held for more than one year based upon the fair market value of the property, avoid all capital gains taxes and remove the asset from you’re your taxable estate.  Alternatively, you can give your home or farm to us now and continue to use the property for life.  You will be entitled to an income tax deduction based on your age and the value of your property.

Life Income Gifts

Life income gifts allow you to receive an income as a result of making a charitable gift.  Depending upon the type of plan you choose, the payments can be fixed or variable and can be for you or other beneficiaries you choose.  For example, you may create a charitable remainder trust to make payments to you for life and contribute money, stock or other property to it.  Once placed in the trust, the assets can be sold (avoiding up-front capital gains tax) and the proceeds reinvested to produce a higher yield.  Life income gifts entitle you to an immediate income tax deduction, based on the present value of your future gift to us.

We have more information that we can send you, please call 217 747 5905, and we suggest you contact your attorney.

Brother James Wirth Society

Members of the Brother James Wirth Society embrace the importance of “doing real and permanent good”.  They’re concerned with securing the financial future of Brother James Court.  They’ve made arrangements in their wills, established Charitable Trusts, created Family Funds, and provided ongoing financial support at a significant level through BJC’s special events and initiatives. Sometimes they create an event of their own to generate income for BJC.

A Wirth Society Member is one among many Pillars of Support for Brother James Court.  BJC recognizes such individuals with a substantial display of brass plaques on a wall in our lobby.  They will be recognized in an issue of our quarterly “Messenger” newsletter, here on our Web site and in the program booklet of our Annual Benefit Auction & Dinner.

This roster of Wirth Society Members includes many families of our men, plus devoted individuals in the community-at-large who know the value of our Vision Statement:  “We empower individuals with special needs to fulfill their highest potential through life skill training.”  You are encouraged to join by calling 217-747-5905.

Family of James Allen
Family of Matthew Landolt
Family of Jamie Andrews
Family of David Cass
Family of Paul Rebbe
Family of Donald Harada
Family of Justin Hayes
Family of Daniel Leahy
Family of Steve Dormal
Family of Gregory Hemkens
Family of Philip Harris
Family of Richard FitzSimon
Family of Terrence McCarthy
Family of Kevin Stapleton
Dan & Claire Call
Todd and Diane Brinkman, B & B Electric
Michael O’Shea, O’Shea Builders
Thomas Hyde, Graham & Hyde Architects