The University also offers donors the opportunity to make a cash gift through use of a credit card. Appreciated Property - Examples of appreciated property include stocks and other securities, real estate, and such personal items as art, antiques, and rare books, coins, and other collectibles. For real estate or closely held stock held for more than one year, the charitable deduction is the current fair market value as determined by an appraisal. With this arrangement you transfer cash or marketable securities to Northwestern in exchange for a contractually guaranteed schedule of fixed-income payments, whose annual rate is based largely on the beneficiary's age. A portion of each payment to the beneficiary may be tax-free.
Capital gains recognition on gifts of appreciated property is reduced and deferred.
The remainder is then turned over to Northwestern after the death of last surviving income beneficiary. Tax savings include immediate income tax deduction for the gift and possible capital gains and estate and gift tax savings. Unitrusts provide a variable payout and is the most popular life-income plan among Northwestern's donors. Donors may add to a unitrust at anytime. These funds accept irrevocable gifts from separate donors to be commingled for investment purposes.