A legacy gift to the Missouri Council of the Blind is one of the most meaningful contributions you can make — one that will shape opportunities for blind Missourians long after your lifetime.
Planned gifts do not require wealth. Many donors make the most impactful gift of their lives through a simple provision in a will, a beneficiary designation on a retirement account, or a transfer of appreciated assets — often with significant tax advantages.
MCB has served blind and visually impaired Missourians since 1956. Your legacy gift ensures that future generations will have the same access to independence, education, and community that MCB has provided for over 70 years.
On This Page
MCB — A Trusted Steward of Your Gift
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit — EIN 43-6049741
- Serving blind Missourians since 1956
- Total assets: $4.18 million (2025)
- Candid Silver Seal of Transparency
- Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind
Why Do People Make Planned Gifts?
Donors from every background and income level choose planned giving — not because they are required to, but because it allows them to make a difference far beyond what a single annual gift can achieve.
Deep Personal Connection
Many MCB planned giving donors are blind or visually impaired themselves, or have a family member who is. A legacy gift is a way of saying: "This cause mattered to me — and it should matter to the future."
No Cost Today
The most common planned gift — a bequest in your will — costs nothing now and can be changed at any time. You keep full use of your assets during your lifetime.
Significant Tax Advantages
Many planned gift arrangements reduce estate taxes, avoid capital gains on appreciated assets, or provide an immediate income tax deduction. A good estate attorney or financial advisor can show you what applies to your situation.
Outlasting a Lifetime
A single bequest can fund scholarships, technology grants, or emergency assistance for years — even decades — after it arrives. A planned gift to MCB can make you part of the organization's story for generations.
Protecting Loved Ones First
Planned giving and estate planning are not in conflict. Most donors who include MCB in their wills also fully provide for their families first. A residuary bequest, for example, only passes to MCB after all other bequests and family needs are met.
Leaving a Message
A planned gift is a statement about what you valued in your life. Many donors choose to be recognized on MCB's legacy honor roll, creating a permanent record of their commitment to blind Missourians.
Gifts in a Will or Trust
A bequest — a gift made through your will or living trust — is the simplest and most common form of planned giving. It requires no major changes to your finances today and can be one of the largest gifts you ever make.
Fixed Dollar Amount
Leave a defined dollar amount (e.g., $10,000) or a specific asset — a piece of real estate, a vehicle, or personal property — directly to MCB. The simplest type of bequest.
A Share of Your Estate
Leave a percentage of your total estate (e.g., 5% or 10%) to MCB. This automatically adjusts to the size of your estate — so it always remains proportional, no matter how your assets change over time.
The Remainder of Your Estate
Leave all or part of what remains in your estate after other bequests and expenses are satisfied. A residuary bequest lets you take care of family first while still supporting MCB meaningfully.
A Backup Beneficiary
Name MCB as a contingent (backup) beneficiary who receives a gift only if your primary beneficiaries predecease you. A thoughtful way to ensure your estate has a charitable home if circumstances change.
Sample Bequest Language
Share this language with your attorney when updating your will or trust. Your attorney may adjust wording to fit your estate plan.
Specific Dollar Bequest
Percentage Bequest
Residuary Bequest
MCB's legal name: Missouri Council of the Blind | EIN: 43-6049741 | Address: 5453 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109
Charitable Trust Arrangements
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)
You transfer appreciated assets into a trust that pays income to you (and/or a named beneficiary) for life or a set term. At the end of the term, the remaining assets pass to MCB. You receive an immediate partial income tax deduction, avoid capital gains on the transfer, and create a future legacy gift — all at once. A CRT requires an attorney and is most beneficial for assets of $100,000 or more.
Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)
The reverse of a CRT: the trust pays income to MCB for a set term, after which the remaining assets pass to your heirs — often with reduced estate and gift tax. A CLT is a powerful tool for donors who want to support MCB during their lifetime while preserving wealth for family.
Revocable Living Trust
If you already have a revocable living trust, you can name MCB as a full, percentage, or contingent beneficiary of the trust at your death — just as you would in a will. Your attorney can add a simple amendment (codicil) to include MCB without rewriting your entire trust document.
Gift Annuity
A charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between you and MCB: you make an irrevocable transfer of cash or appreciated assets, and MCB agrees to pay you (and/or a survivor) a fixed income for life. You receive a partial income tax deduction and potentially favorable capital gains treatment. Contact MCB to discuss whether a gift annuity arrangement is available.
Beneficiary Designations
One of the easiest and most tax-efficient ways to leave a legacy gift — no attorney required, no changes to your will, and you can update it at any time.
Retirement Accounts
IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b)
Retirement accounts are among the most tax-efficient assets to leave to charity. When an individual inherits a retirement account, they typically owe income tax on withdrawals. When MCB inherits the same account, we receive it entirely tax-free — stretching your gift further. Contact your plan administrator and name MCB as a full or partial primary or contingent beneficiary. No attorney needed.
Life Insurance
Term, whole life, universal life
You can name MCB as a full, partial, or contingent beneficiary of a life insurance policy — or donate an existing policy you no longer need. If you transfer ownership of a paid-up policy to MCB, you may receive an income tax deduction based on the policy's fair market value. Contact your insurance carrier for a beneficiary change form — the process typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Bank & Brokerage Accounts
TOD / POD designations
Most bank accounts, investment accounts, and brokerage accounts allow a Transfer on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD) designation. These pass the account directly to MCB at your death — bypassing probate entirely — while you retain full ownership and control during your lifetime. Ask your financial institution for the form.
Real Estate
Primary home, vacation property, investment property
You can leave real estate to MCB through your will or trust, via a TOD deed (available in Missouri), or through a retained life estate arrangement — where you give the property to MCB now but retain the right to live there for the rest of your life. Real estate gifts are best discussed with MCB and your estate attorney in advance.
How to Name MCB as a Beneficiary
- Contact your financial institution, plan administrator, or insurance company and request a beneficiary change form.
- Enter MCB's legal name and EIN exactly as follows:
EIN / Tax ID: 43-6049741
Address: 5453 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109
Phone: (314) 832-7172
Organization Type: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
You can designate MCB as 100% beneficiary or split the designation (e.g., 50% family, 50% MCB). You may change the designation at any time without notifying MCB. Once completed, please consider letting us know so we can thank you.
Popular Gift Types
Beyond wills and beneficiary designations, these gift vehicles are popular with donors who want to maximize impact, reduce taxes, or give in non-cash forms.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)
Most FlexibleA giving account that lets you contribute assets now, take an immediate deduction, and recommend grants to MCB over time.
- Contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF at Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or your community foundation
- Receive an immediate income tax deduction in the year of contribution
- Recommend grants to MCB whenever you choose — even years later
- Name MCB as a successor beneficiary so your DAF balance passes to us at your death
- To send a grant: log in to your DAF portal, search for "Missouri Council of the Blind" (EIN 43-6049741), and recommend a grant
Cryptocurrency
Tax-EfficientDonating appreciated cryptocurrency directly to MCB avoids capital gains tax and generates a fair-market-value deduction.
- Gifts of appreciated crypto held more than one year avoid capital gains entirely
- You deduct the full fair market value at time of transfer (subject to AGI limits)
- Do NOT sell and donate the proceeds — donate the crypto directly for maximum tax benefit
- Contact MCB to arrange a crypto transfer; we will provide wallet or DAF transfer instructions
- Valuations over $5,000 require a qualified appraisal; keep documentation for tax reporting
Stocks & Securities
Most Common Non-Cash GiftGifts of appreciated stock, mutual funds, or ETFs are one of the most common and tax-efficient forms of charitable giving.
- Avoid capital gains tax on appreciation — even if gains are large
- Deduct the full fair market value on the date of transfer (not your original cost)
- Works for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and other publicly traded securities
- Transfer shares directly to MCB's brokerage account — do NOT sell first
- Contact MCB for DTC transfer instructions and account information
- Particularly effective for long-held appreciated positions with large embedded gains
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
Age 70½+IRA owners age 70½ or older can transfer up to $105,000 per year directly from their IRA to MCB — tax-free.
- QCDs are excluded from your taxable income — not just deductible from it
- This is a major advantage over a standard deduction for donors who take the standard deduction
- Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year
- 2024 limit: $105,000 per person per year (indexed for inflation annually)
- Must be transferred directly from the IRA custodian to MCB — you cannot receive the funds first
- Applies to traditional IRAs; does not apply to 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or Donor-Advised Funds
- Contact your IRA custodian and request a QCD payable to "Missouri Council of the Blind, EIN 43-6049741"
Real Estate & Tangible Property
High-Value GiftsGifts of real property, vehicles, artwork, or collectibles can be arranged through your will, a living trust, a TOD deed, or a direct transfer.
- Gifts of real property are best discussed with MCB in advance — we review all real estate gifts before acceptance
- Missouri's Transfer on Death Deed allows you to pass real estate directly to MCB without probate
- Retained life estate: give your home to MCB now while retaining the right to live there for life
- Gifts of tangible personal property (art, collectibles) are fully deductible only if MCB's use is related to our mission
- Vehicles may be donated; MCB will provide an IRS Form 1098-C for your records
- All property gifts require a qualified independent appraisal if valued at $5,000 or more
Life Insurance
Affordable ImpactLife insurance is one of the most affordable ways to make a large legacy gift — even on a modest income.
- Name MCB as a full or partial beneficiary of an existing or new policy
- Donate an existing paid-up policy and receive a deduction for its fair market value
- A new policy with MCB as owner and beneficiary allows you to deduct ongoing premium payments
- Even a modest policy can translate to a five- or six-figure legacy gift
- Contact your insurance agent — beneficiary changes typically take less than 30 minutes
Have You Already Included MCB in Your Estate Plans?
Please let us know — we would be honored to thank you and welcome you into MCB's legacy giving family.
You are under no obligation to notify us, and your privacy is fully respected. But hearing from planned giving donors allows us to: personally thank you, share impact updates, and plan programs with confidence.
Prefer to call or write?
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Make a Lasting Difference?
MCB is grateful for every planned gift — no matter its size. Whether you are ready to include us in your estate plans today or just beginning to explore your options, we are here to help. Your privacy is our priority.
Contact MCB's Planned Giving Team
5453 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109
EIN: 43-6049741
MCB cannot provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your own qualified advisors when planning a charitable gift. All tax information on this page is general in nature and may not reflect current law.