How it Works

 You decide you want to make a charitable gift now to benefit non-profit agencies about which you care. The gift can be a simple as cash, appreciated stocks, bonds, CD’s, or money market proceeds. It can be items of personal property such as jewelry, collections, furnishings, or autos. It could be property such as cemetery lots, vacant land, or actively used property. (With the proper agreement you can also retain the right to use such land for the rest of your life.)

 You may give these items to the charity outright. If there are conditions, the charity must agree, and there be a legal agreement. If you give personal property that the charity cannot use, it may lower your tax benefit. Simply contact the charity first to discuss.

 There are significant tax benefits to each action. For example if you give appreciated stock, you do not pay any capital gains tax and you receive a charitable deduction for the entire gift.

 Your gift may be unrestricted or you may designate its purpose. Be sure the charity has agreed to any particular designation you chose to make.

What to Do

 If you are contributing cash unrestricted, just send a check. For other types of gifts, notify the charity of your intention and work out all the details before making the gift.

 For more complicated gifts and to obtain the best tax advantages, consult your financial and legal professionals.

Benefits to You

 You make a gift now and the charity begins using the gift now.
 You have the pleasure of knowing how the gift will be spent.
 You can claim the appropriate tax reductions.
 Your gift may encourage others to make gifts.
 You may enjoy the thanks and recognition from the charity.