As a general rule, the amount of money you give is the amount you are entitled to claim as a deduction. Periodic cash payments may better suit your situation. We would be pleased to work with you in establishing a pledge program of up to five years which accommodates your financial position and also recognizes your extended commitment to the college. Payments may be made in equal or varying amounts according to your wishes. As a final consideration, charitable donations by the employees of many companies may be matched by the company or its foundation.
Some companies match two or three times the amount of the original contribution.
Appreciated Marketable Securities Gifts of appreciated property, such as stocks and bonds, provide a charitable contribution deduction equal to the fair market value of the property. Normally, you will not pay tax on the appreciated portion of the gift. Closely Held Stock For the owner of closely held stock in a company that has significant cash reserves, the contribution of some of these shares can provide a donor with a very attractive additional benefit. A gift to the college of such shares would create the benefits described above for gifts of appreciated marketable securities and it would also create a tax favored opportunity for the company to use some of its cash reserves to retire or redeem the gifted shares. Gifts of appreciated real property provide the same benefits and are subject to the same limitations governing the transfer of appreciated securities.