Giving Beyond Cash: Explore Your Donation Options
Find the Right Way to Give Back
Your generosity can take many forms, and each type of gift makes a lasting impact in our community. Whether you\'re considering a cash donation, stock transfer, or a planned gift, we’re here to help you find the best way to give while maximizing tax benefits.
Cash Gifts
One of the simplest and most immediate ways to support your community is through a cash donation. A gift of cash can be used to establish a new fund or contribute to an existing one. Cash gifts are fully deductible up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) in any given year, with any excess deductions eligible to carry forward for up to five additional years.
Gifts of Stock
Donating appreciated securities—such as stocks, bonds, or shares in closely held companies—is a powerful way to support charitable causes while receiving valuable tax advantages. The full fair market value of your securities is deductible up to 30% of your AGI, with any excess deductions carrying forward for up to five years. Additionally, by donating appreciated stock, you can avoid capital gains tax on the increase in value.
To make a stock donation, provide your professional advisor with stock gift instructions, or contact us for assistance.
Estate & Will Designations
Leaving a gift to the Community Foundation in your will or estate plan ensures your charitable impact continues for generations. You can designate a gift to an existing fund or establish a new one, tailoring your legacy to the causes you care about most. Those who include the Community Foundation in their estate plans are honored as members of our Legacy Society, recognizing their commitment to making a difference beyond their lifetime.
Learn More about Legacy Society
IRA Charitable Rollover (Qualified Charitable Distribution - QCD)
If you are 70½ or older, an IRA charitable rollover, also known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), allows you to transfer up to $108,000 annually (as of 2025) from your IRA directly to the Community Foundation or other qualified charities.
- A QCD does not count as taxable income, making it a tax-efficient way to give.
- QCDs can satisfy all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for individuals aged 73 and older.
- The Foundation can help you split your QCD gift among multiple funds at the Foundation or direct it to other charitable organizations you care about.
Real Estate Gifts
Donating real estate—such as a home, farmland, or commercial property—can be a meaningful way to turn property gains into community impact. The value of real estate is often one of the largest assets a person owns, and gifting it to the Community Foundation can provide maximum tax benefits while ensuring your charitable wishes are fulfilled.
