A year after Mara Soriano’s mother died, the Vancouver resident lost another thing close to her heart – a teddy bear that played a sweet, recorded message in her mom’s voice. When word of the bear’s disappearance reached Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds on social media, he offered $5,000 to anyone who returned the bear, no questions asked. Within days, Mara and the stuffed animal were reunited.

Our society talks a lot about “good vibes.” We like hearing stories of pay-it-forward Starbucks lines or someone finding a lost wedding ring in an obscure place. But when it comes to generosity, it’s one thing to give something and get good feelings in return. It’s another to know you’re making a real difference in the life of someone else.

But what if you could give, make an impact, and get much more than “good vibes” in return? There is! A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) lets you do just that. It’s a Win-Win-Win.

A CGA is a contract made between a donor and a charity where everybody wins. The donor makes a gift to the organization with cash, securities, or possibly other assets, and gets these benefits in return:

• Fixed, reliable payments for life (with payouts that have increased in the last year)
• An immediate charitable tax deduction
• Partially tax-free income
• Ability to avoid capital gains (when giving appreciated stock)
• The satisfaction of knowing your gift is actively helping people (and will for years to come).

Have you heard the proverb, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” When we give in ways that align with our personal values, it feels even sweeter.

If you’re looking for a tax-smart way to support a cause you care about, consider the Charitable Gift Annuity. You’ll impact lives in a lasting, meaningful way, and get so much in return.