We wanted to share some unique ways to support GiGi’s Playhouse Madison, which provides invaluable services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Here are several options to consider:

There Are Several Ways to Give

1. Retirement Assets: Distribution from retirement plans, IRA’s and 401(k) plans are typically taxed as ordinary income to your named beneficiaries making them less desirable. For this reason, they are ideal assets to contribute to GiGi’s Playhouse Madison, which is tax exempt. Learn more about how seniors can make an impact and benefit from Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) HERE.
   • Additional QCD information can be found in the following links:
     • Increased Limit: The maximum amount that can be distributed as a QCD has been raised to $111,000 for the tax year 2026, up from $108,000 in 2025. This limit applies to each individual, meaning that both spouses can make their own QCDs if they are over the age of 70½. 
     • Tax Benefits: QCDs allow individuals to direct distributions from their traditional IRAs to qualified charities without including the amount in their taxable income. This can help reduce adjusted gross income (AGI) and satisfy required minimum distributions (RMDs). 
     • Eligibility: To qualify for making a QCD, individuals must be at least 70½ years old at the time of the distribution. The QCD can be used to meet all or part of the RMD for the year. 
     • Charitable Giving Strategy: QCDs are particularly advantageous for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions, as the amount donated through a QCD is excluded from gross income, potentially providing greater tax benefits than a standard deduction. 
     • Key Tax Changes Impacting Philanthropy in 2026
2. Gifts of Stocks and Bonds: Capital gains of long-term stock that has appreciated can be avoided by a donation to GiGi’s Playhouse. This is an excellent way to provide a much larger gift. Email our Executive Director, Kelly, [email protected], to be sent the paperwork to initiate the transfer. You can also learn more HERE.
3. Charitable Lead Trust: With a Charitable Lead Trust, GiGi’s Playhouse Madison becomes the initial beneficiary generally receiving a steady stream of payments for a term of years. The assets of the trust are distributed to the donor’s designated beneficiary (typically the children, nieces, nephews, etc.-at the conclusion of the term of trust). A Charitable Lead Annuity Trust allows the donor to stretch their available estate or gift, tax exempt, and is particularly effective in a low-interest rate environment.
4. Charitable Gift Annuity: A Charitable Gift Annuity allows the donor to support GiGi’s Playhouse Madison while providing themselves with a lifetime income. Consistent payments ensure the donor knows their income amount. A charitable deduction is earned, helping lower possible income taxes.
5. Charitable Retirement Trusts: A Charitable Retirement Trust allows the donor to reduce gift or estate taxes, defer capital gain benefits from a diversified portfolio, claim an income tax deduction and benefit GiGi’s. This type of trust makes periodic payments to the designated beneficiary. Generally, either a fixed annuity amount or an amount based on the fair market value of the property.
6. Gifts of Real Estate: GiGi’s Playhouse Madison welcomes gifts of real estate and will work with the donor and their financial advisor or attorney to determine how to best achieve their goals. Under current tax laws, donors pay no capital gains when they make lifetime contributions of real estate held for more than one year. For transfers made at death, under a will or trusts, the estate tax charitable deduction is generally based on fair market value.

Monthly Giving

• By signing up for monthly donations, you can ensure an easy way to give that you don’t have to always think about. This allows you to make a consistent and meaningful impact.
  • Visit our 3-2-1 Believer Page and choose to support our programming OR our capital campaign that will allow us to make our forever home a reality.

Amazon Wishlist

Donating items directly from our Amazon Wishlist helps us direct more of our fundraising dollars to programming. Visit our wishlist, select items to purchase, and they will be sent directly to us. Your contribution makes a big difference!

Donate Your Car

• If you have an unused vehicle, consider donating it to GiGi’s Playhouse Madison through CARS. The donation process is straightforward, and it allows you to support a worthy cause while parting with a car you no longer need. Learn more HERE.

Create a Celebration Page

• For birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, you can create a celebration page and request that friends and family make donations to GiGi’s Playhouse Madison in lieu of gifts. This is a wonderful way to give back on your special day or for a special event. Get started HERE.

Workplace Giving with United Way

• Many employers offer giving programs through United Way. You can designate GiGi’s Playhouse Madison as your charity of choice and have donations automatically deducted from your paycheck. This is a convenient way to contribute consistently.

Company Match

• Check with your employer to see if they have a matching gift program. This is an excellent way to double your donation, as many companies are willing to support causes that are important to their employees.

Thrivent Choice Dollars

• If you are an eligible Thrivent Financial client with membership, you can direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to GiGi’s Playhouse Madison. This allows you to support the organization without any additional cost to you. Learn more HERE.

Planned Giving

Leaving a Legacy of Love

Leave a Legacy of Love to GiGi’s Playhouse Madison and improve your financial security at the same time through planned giving. Through planned giving you can assure the long-term health of GiGi’s Playhouse Madison Down Syndrome Achievement Center and the fulfillment of your personal financial objectives.

ALWAYS SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FIRST: It is important that you consult your or seek out a competent financial planner or Estate Planning Attorney to assure that your beneficiary designations will work in the desired method you have chosen. Tax laws are subject to frequent changes and all noted options were based upon tax rules at the time of this posting.

It is important to consult your financial planner or attorney or seek out a competent Estate Planning Attorney to assure your beneficiary designations will work in the desired method you have chosen.

Contact Kelly Antonson, Executive Director, with any of your Planned Giving questions.  [email protected]

Every contribution makes a significant difference, and it is wonderful to have so many options available for your consideration.