Many donors prefer to make gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or exchange traded funds because it can have a large impact on our mission, while maximizing potential tax benefits by avoiding paying taxes on capital gains.

If you would like to transfer your appreciated stocks online, you can use our online tool to walk you through the process in less than five minutes. If you would prefer to work directly with your broker, follow the instructions on the tool to access our account information.

Transfer your appreciated assets today.

If you have questions regarding gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds or exchanging trade funds, please contact Philanthropy Department at 504-842-7110 or philanthropy@ochsner.org for additional information.

Making a bequest is an easy and smart way to make a significant difference to the patients of Ochsner in the future. Our generous donors have many reasons for making a gift through their will. Some do it as a way to recognize doctors and nurses who have taken care of them or a loved one. Others pay tribute to a family member by making a special bequest. No matter the reason, making a bequest to Ochsner ensures that your legacy is preserved and remembered. Ready to get started? We’ve partnered with FreeWill to provide a free will-writing resource to our community. In 20 minutes or less, you can write a legal will at no cost and include the necessary language to create your gift with Ochsner. Get started here.

There are many different ways to structure your bequest. A few examples are noted below. We would be delighted to discuss your options with you and your attorney.

SPECIFIC BEQUESTS can make a gift of a specific dollar amount or a particular asset, such as securities, real estate or personal property.

“I give and bequeath the sum of ______ Dollars ($_________) to the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, located at 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121, for its greatest needs.”

CONTINGENT BEQUESTS will result in a donation to Ochsner only in the event of the death of other primary beneficiaries or when certain conditions described in your will are met.

“If my wife, Jane Doe, does not survive me, I give and bequeath the sum of _______ Dollars ($_______) to the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, located at 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70121, for its general support.”

RESIDUARY BEQUESTS are used to give all or a portion of your estate that is left over after all expenses, taxes and distributions to heirs are made.

“I give and bequeath _____ percent (___%) to the Ochsner Clinic Foundation located at 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121, for its greatest needs.”

The examples listed above are all unrestricted bequests. You may also give to a specific program or use, such as nursing education, cancer research or patient assistance.

“I hereby give and bequeath to Ochsner Clinic Foundation located at 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121, the sum of $_______________ to be used for __________________.”

You can make a meaningful gift that will have a positive impact for future patients at Ochsner. Please contact the Department of Philanthropy at Ochsner to discuss what you would like to support, and we can assist your attorney in phrasing the language in the will. For further information, please contact the Ochsner Department of Philanthropy.

Have the doctors and staff at Ochsner made an impact on you or your family? Would you like to say "thank you" to the caregivers who made a difference in your life? If there was a simple way to make a significant donation in the future with no or little cost to you in the present, would you be interested in helping Ochsner? If you said "yes" to those questions, please take a moment to learn more about how to plan your gift to Ochsner.

Make a Plan to Give to Ochsner

A recent study showed that most of an American’s assets (other than his or her home) are held in an IRA or retirement plan. What most people don’t know is that you can make a gift to Ochsner from these assets. In addition to the great feeling you get by making a gift to support the compassionate caregivers, innovative researchers and best-trained physicians at Ochsner, you have the peace of mind that your retirement funds are there if you need them. Making a gift through your individual retirement account (IRA), qualified retirement plan, or nonqualified deferred compensation payments fund can be quick, easy and efficient. It is also tax-efficient, so more of your hard-earned dollars go to your family and to Ochsner.

How to name Ochsner as a beneficiary of an IRA or financial account

• Consult with an attorney or financial adviser. Obtain your spouse’s approval if necessary. As when you modify a will, changing a beneficiary designation can have tax and estate planning consequences.
• Request a beneficiary change form from your employer, plan administrator or financial institution. You can also go to its website. 
• In the appropriate blank on the form, name Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Federal ID number 72-0502505, as the beneficiary. You can allocate a percentage or amount to Ochsner. You can make Ochsner a contingent beneficiary if others predecease you, and you can even direct your support to a specific program or unit within Ochsner. If there isn’t enough room on the form, simply attach a separate document. Be certain to ask the administrator if there are any additional requirements for the beneficiary change to be effective.
• Complete the form as instructed, and submit it as directed. Keep copies for your records, and send one to the Department of Philanthropy at Ochsner.
• You can change your mind if conditions change. No gift is made to Ochsner until you are done using your account!
• You can name Ochsner as a beneficiary for:
  • Retirement plans
  • IRAs
  • Life insurance plans
  • Commercial annuities
  • Bank accounts
  • Certificates of deposit
  • Brokerage accounts

Legal Name: Ochsner Clinic Foundation
Address: 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
Federal Tax ID Number: 72-0502505

Please contact the Department of Philanthropy at Ochsner beforehand if you would like your gift to go to a particular program or purpose. We're here to help! For further information or assistance in leaving your legacy through a beneficiary designation, please contact the Ochsner Department of Philanthropy.

You can boost your retirement income and support Ochsner at the same time! If you want to donate to Ochsner and receive an income stream, a charitable gift annuity (CGA) can make a lot of sense. It is not a commercial annuity from an insurance company, but a simple contract between you and a charity, like Ochsner. Not only do you retain an income for the rest of your lifetime, but you also qualify for an immediate charitable income tax deduction. You can donate cash, securities or other assets to Ochsner and we invest the money and returns a portion of it to you in fixed payments for the rest of your life. The older you are at the time of the gift, the greater the fixed income that Ochsner can agree to pay. Gender and health-are not considered in the rates that we will pay. Part of each payment to you is tax-free, increasing each payment’s after-tax value. The payments will NEVER decrease.

Ochsner requires that donors contribute a minimum of $10,000 to establish a CGA. Also, the annuitants need to be age 65 or older to receive immediate payments. There are several options of CGAs.

Two-Life CGA
A donor can also choose a reduced payment for two lives (joint and survivor) instead of one. The income stream would continue until the second person passes away.

Deferred CGA
You can elect to start payments immediately or later. The older you are, the higher the payout rate. The longer you defer the start of annuity payments, the higher the CGA rate will be. An annuitant can be younger than age 65 as long as the deferral period is until they turn age 65.

Flexible CGA
A Flexible CGA allows the donor to choose when payments will begin, thereby increasing the annuity rate as you get older. The annuitant(s) may elect to start receiving payments on any one of a range of dates. The dates and their corresponding payment amounts are listed in the CGA agreement. The longer you elect to defer the start of the annuity payments, the higher the annual income will be. You control when your income is paid to you.

Commuted CGA
A Commuted CGA permits a donor to decide to exchange his or her lifetime stream of income for a fixed number of payments of equal value (sometimes called the “College Annuity Plan”). The payments start at the same time the lifetime payments would begin, but they only last for a few years. The shortened duration of the payments allows each payment to be greater than it would be otherwise (spread out over a projected life span). This can be used by donors to help a future student finance an education. The payments to the annuitant/student are commuted to coincide with his or her college years.

Enhanced CGA
You can opt for a lower annuity rate than Ochsner recommends, which will reduce your payments but increase your tax deduction and the likelihood of a more significant donation to our mission. This is even more generous of a gift to Ochsner!

Tax Information*
You will qualify to deduct the part of your donation that won’t be returned to you in annuity payments. The deduction is calculated by taking the full amount of your gift and subtracting the present value of all the payments you’re expected to receive during your lifetime. If you’re donating cash, part of your payments each year will be a tax-free return of principal. The rest will be subject to ordinary income tax. If you donate appreciated securities, you won’t owe tax on all of the capital gains because a portion of your gift goes to the charity. You will pay tax on the long-term capital gains income returned to you in annuity payments, but the tax will be spread out over your expected lifetime. Each year, Ochsner will tell you the portion of your payments that is tax-free and the portion that’s subject to capital gains or regular income taxes.

You will continue to receive payments no matter how long you live. Once you pass the age of your life expectancy (based on an annuity mortality table), all payments to you will be subject to ordinary income tax, whether you gave cash or appreciated securities.

*This is not to be considered tax or legal advice. While we make our best efforts to keep this information updated, the IRS and Congress may change rules regarding this type of giving at any time. ALWAYS consult with your trusted accounting or legal advisers when considering a planned gift to Ochsner or any charity.

For further information or assistance in leaving your legacy through a charitable gift annuity, please contact the Ochsner Department of Philanthropy.

Through its partnerships with nonprofits like Ochsner, FreeWill is able to provide its legal will-writing tool for free to anyone. There are no hidden fees, and the whole process usually takes about 20 minutes or less.

Writing a will is an essential step everyone should take. It is a powerful way to make sure the people and causes you love are protected, no matter what happens. You can use this tool to rest easy knowing that you’ve completed this important task and have made a plan for the future.

Get started on writing your free will and protecting what matters most here. This resource is free to use, so please feel free to share it with anyone you know who is interested in putting together a legal will. There’s no obligation to make a gift to Ochsner Health. We hope that you and your loved ones will think of Ochsner (and the communities we serve) when you use this tool to plan for your future.

If you’re looking for more immediate ways to support Ochsner, FreeWill also has two tools to help you create tax-wise gifts from your IRA and appreciated assets. Click here to learn more about charitable IRA giving. Click here to donate appreciated stocks directly to Ochsner and save on your taxes.

For further information or assistance in using this free tool, please contact the Ochsner Department of Philanthropy.

You can choose to support Ochsner by using a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). A DAF is an easy and cost-effective way to support Ochsner and other charities of your choice. Some people consider it a family charitable savings account, using it to simplify their philanthropy and to teach their children the importance of charitable giving. To set up a DAF, you will need to open a DAF account with a tax-exempt organization like a local community foundation or one of several national financial institutions. You qualify for an income tax deduction when you give to the DAF. Then, you can recommend grants to Ochsner or other charities.

The Ochsner Clinic Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization that can receive grants. We can provide you or your DAF custodian with appropriate IRS documentation to confirm Ochsner’s nonprofit status and eligibility for grants. The following information is usually requested for a grant recommendation.

Legal Name: Ochsner Clinic Foundation
Address: 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
Federal Tax ID Number: 72-0502505
Contact: Ochsner Philanthropy Department phone number: 504-842-7110, or email: philanthropy@ochsner.org

In order to ensure that your grant reaches the particular fund you wish to support, please provide written instructions to your DAF’s custodian or complete the section in the grant recommendation form. The grant to Ochsner can be for unrestricted use; annual support; medical research; or a particular fund, facility or specialty. You decide where you want your gift to go. These are just a few options. Please contact the Ochsner Philanthropy Department to find the gift designation that means the most to you.

*Please note that, a grant from a DAF cannot go toward an enforceable pledge made by the Adviser to the Grantee. This is prohibited by the IRS. Review all applicable rules and regulations regarding DAFs before recommending a grant.

If you are 70 1/2 years old or older, you can take advantage of a simple way to benefit Ochsner Clinic Foundation and receive tax benefits in return. You can give up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to a qualified charity (such as Ochsner) without having to pay income taxes on the money.

This law no longer has an expiration date, so you are free to make Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) gifts to Ochsner this year and well into the future. Click here to get started.

Why Consider This Gift?

• Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference that your donation is making.
• You pay no income taxes on a QCD gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
• If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year from your IRA, a QCD gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I've already named Ochsner Clinic Foundation as the beneficiary of my IRA. What are the benefits if I make a gift now instead of after my lifetime?
A: By making a gift this year of up to $100,000 from your IRA, you can see your philanthropic dollars at work. You are jump-starting the legacy you would like to leave and giving yourself the joy of watching your philanthropy take shape. Moreover, you can fulfill any outstanding pledge you may have made by transferring that amount from your IRA (limited to $100,000 per year).

Q: I'm turning age 70 1/2 in a few months. Can I make this gift now?
A: No. The legislation requires you to reach age 70 1/2 by the date you make the gift.

Q: Is it a difficult process to make a charitable gift from my IRA?
A: No. Your IRA administrator should have a form for this purpose. All you need to do is fill it out with the amount to transfer, Ochsner's legal name (Ochsner Clinic Foundation), the address (1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121) and the Federal Tax ID number (72-0502505).

Q: I have several retirement accounts. Some are pensions and some are IRAs. Does it matter which retirement account I use?
A: Yes. Direct rollovers to a qualified charity can be made only from an IRA. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to roll assets from a pension, profit sharing, 401(k) or 403(b) plan into an IRA. Then you can, make the transfer from the IRA directly to Ochsner Clinic Foundation. To determine if a rollover to an IRA is available for you, consult your plan administrator.

Q: Can my gift be used as my required minimum distribution under the law?
A: Yes. If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution, the IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement. Contact your IRA custodian to complete the QCD gift.

Q: Do I need to give my entire IRA to be eligible for the tax benefits?
A: No. You can give any amount under this provision, as long as it is $100,000 or less this year. If your IRA is valued at more than $100,000, you can transfer a portion of it to fund a charitable gift.

Q: I have two charities that I want to support. Can I give $100,000 from my IRA to each?
A: No. Under the law, you can give a maximum of $100,000. For example, you can give each organization $50,000 this year or any other combination that totals $100,000 or less. Any amount of more than $100,000 in one year must be reported as taxable income.

Q: My spouse and I would like to give more than $100,000. How can we do that?
A: If you have a spouse (as defined by the IRS) who is age 70 1/2 or older and has an IRA, he or she can also give up to $100,000 from his or her IRA.

If you name Ochsner in your plans, please use our legal name and Federal Tax ID.

Legal Name: Ochsner Clinic Foundation
Address: 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
Federal Tax ID Number: 72-0502505

For further information or assistance in leaving your legacy through a charitable gift annuity, please contact the Ochsner Department of Philanthropy.

If you have a loved one who has been impacted by Ochsner Clinic Foundation, establishing a memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor your loved one or celebrate a special occasion (such as a birthday) while supporting the work of our mission. Your memorial or tribute gift will be a lasting tribute to your loved one and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

You can also honor a family member or a physician who treated you so well by making a tribute gift to Ochsner in your will. Many people have honored the memory of a friend or loved one by making a gift in a trust or a bequest.

Check Out This Potential Scenario

When Sarah's father passed away, she knew she wanted to do something that would establish a lasting legacy for him. She remembered that during his lifetime he was always praising Ochsner for the wonderful, compassionate care he had received there his whole life. Sarah decided to make a gift to Ochsner in her fathers name by using appreciated securities. Not only will her fathers legacy live on at Ochsner thanks to the gift and a commemorative plaque. Sarah also received a federal income tax charitable deduction (because she itemizes her taxes) and eliminated capital gains tax on the securities.

You Can Create A Memorial Gift

You can create a memorial gift using the following assets

• Cash
• Appreciated securities
• Real estate
• Tangible personal property

Next Steps

Contact the Philanthropy Department at 504-842-7110 or email: philanthropy@ochsner.org for additional information on beneficiary designations and how they can help support Ochsner with our mission. Talk to your financial or legal adviser to learn which assets will or will not trigger taxable income when paid to a beneficiary. If you name Ochsner in your plans, please use our legal name and Federal Tax ID.

Legal Name: Ochsner Clinic Foundation
Address: 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
Federal Tax ID Number: 72-0502505

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax adviser. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only, and they are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.

Want to make a big gift to Ochsner Clinic Foundation without touching your bank account? Consider giving us real estate, art or a vehicle. Such a generous gift helps us continue our work for years to come. A gift of this type also helps you. When you give us appreciated property you have held longer than one year, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction. You avoid paying capital gains tax. You also no longer have to deal with that property's maintenance costs, property taxes or insurance.

Another benefit: You don't have to hassle with selling the property. You can deed the property directly to Ochsner, or ask your attorney to add a few sentences in your will or trust agreement.

Ways to Give Real Estate

You can give property to Ochsner in the following ways:

An outright gift. When you make a gift today of property you have owned longer than one year, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction equal to the property's full fair market value. This deduction lets you reduce the cost of making the gift and frees cash that otherwise would have been used to pay taxes. By donating the property to Ochsner, you also eliminate capital gains tax on its appreciation.

A gift in your will or living trust. A gift of real estate through your will or living trust allows you the flexibility to change your mind and the potential to support our work with a larger gift than you could during your lifetime. In as little as one sentence or two, you can ensure that your support for Ochsner continues after your lifetime.

A retained life estate. Perhaps you like the tax advantages that a gift of real estate to our organization would offer, but you want to continue living in your personal residence for your lifetime. You can transfer your personal residence or farm to Ochsner but keep the right to occupy (or rent out) the home for the rest of your life. You continue to pay real estate taxes, maintenance fees and insurance on the property. Even though Ochsner would not actually take possession of the residence until after your lifetime, since your gift cannot be revoked, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction for a portion of your home's value.

A deferred charitable gift annuity. Are you tired of the hassles of maintaining your property such as paying taxes, utilities and repair bills? Consider donating the property to Ochsner in exchange for reliable payments for life for you (and someone else, if you choose). When you arrange a charitable gift annuity, you receive a federal income tax charitable deduction in the year you set up the gift annuity when you itemize on your taxes. If you use appreciated real estate to make a gift, you can usually eliminate capital gains tax on a portion of the gift and spread the rest of the gain over your life expectancy. A gift of unmortgaged property to fund a deferred gift annuity is preferable and generates the greatest tax benefit.

A bargain sale. Want to sell us your property for less than the fair market value? A bargain sale may be the answer. When you make a bargain sale, you sell your property to our organization for less than what it's worth. The difference between the actual value and the sale price is considered a gift to us. A bargain sale can be an effective way to dispose of property that has increased in value is the only gifting format that can give you a lump sum of cash and a charitable deduction (when you itemize) at the same time.

A charitable remainder unitrust. You can contribute any type of appreciated real estate you've owned for more than one year (provided that it's unmortgaged) in exchange for an income stream for life or a term of up to 20 years. The donated property may be a residence (a personal residence must be vacant upon contribution), undeveloped land, a farm or commercial property. Real estate works well with only certain variations of charitable remainder trusts. Your estate planning attorney (who will draft your trust) can give you more details.

A charitable lead trust. This gift can be a wonderful way for you to benefit Ochsner and simultaneously transfer appreciated real estate to your family tax-free. You should consider funding the charitable lead trust with real estate that is income-producing and expected to increase in value over the term of the trust.

A memorial or endowed gift. A gift of property may be a perfect way to honor your loved one in perpetuity. When you make an endowed gift of property, your contribution is invested with and becomes part of Ochsner's endowment. An annual distribution is made for the purpose you designate. Because the principal remains intact, the fund will generate support in perpetuity.

A donor-advised fund. When you transfer real estate to your donor advised fund, you avoid capital gains taxes. You also qualify for a federal income tax deduction based on the fair market value of the property when you itemize on your taxes.

Check Out This Potential Scenario

Janet purchased a rental property years ago, and she has watched it grow steadily in value. Still active in her career and traveling frequently, she's beginning to find management of the property more and more of a hassle. At this stage of her life, Janet has decided to move to a 55+ condominium development where all exterior maintenance is provided. She also doesn't have to worry about security issues. Janet sees this as an opportunity to give her rental property to a charity that's important to her while realizing valuable tax benefits.

Janet avoids capital gains tax on the appreciation and qualifies for a federal income tax charitable deduction of $250,000, which is the property's current fair market value. She is able to claim 30 percent of her $200,000 adjusted gross income (or $60,000) in the year of the gift. In the five years following, she can continue to use up the remaining $190,000 deduction. Janet is happy in her new condo. She loves knowing that the gift of her property will make a big difference supporting Ochsner's mission.

Next Steps 

Contact the Ochsner Philanthropy Department at 504-842-7110 or philanthropy@ochsner.org for additional information on beneficiary designations and how they can help support Ochsner with our mission. Talk to your financial or legal adviser to learn which assets will or will not trigger taxable income when paid to a beneficiary. If you name Ochsner in your plans, please use our legal name and Federal Tax ID.

Legal Name: Ochsner Clinic Foundation
Address: 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
Federal Tax ID Number: 72-0502505

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax adviser. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only, and they are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.