Types of Gifts

Every year since 1982, Dusty Rhodes SBA ’41 (left), retired judge of the Superior Court has given to Menlo’s Annual Fund. His support and his attendance at his reunion where he met Fred Field ’48, retired AIA architect (right) keep him connected with the Menlo community.

Just like Dusty, you can take advantage of the income tax charitable deduction, tax reduction and benefit Menlo College—all at the same time! If you itemize, you can almost always lower your income taxes through a philanthropic gift. Talk to your accountant, financial advisor and us to learn more about your options. Menlo College's Advancement staff would be pleased to assist you. Types of gifts you may consider include:

Cash

The easiest way to lower your taxes and benefit Menlo College is to send us a check by Dec. 31. Make sure your envelope is postmarked by that date. If your company honors matching gifts, enclose its matching gift form with your check.

Stock

Donate appreciated stock and enjoy the tax benefit of a fair market value deduction. At the same time, avoid capital gains tax.

To enjoy this benefit, make sure you have owned the stock for a significant amount of time, at least a year. As with cash, your gift of stock should be postmarked by Dec. 31. Alternatively, your stock broker or a trust officer can arrange for a year-end gift of stock from your account.

Real Estate

Your primary residence, vacation home and other property you own may have so appreciated in value through the years that its sale would mean a significant capital gains tax. By making a year-end gift of this property, you can avoid the capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property.

Other Year-End Gift Ideas

It is also possible to make a gift of your home or other property and continue to use it—and still benefit from a tax deduction. Call your accountant, financial advisor or us for more information.

Life Income Gifts

If you are considering a major gift to Menlo College, a "life-income" gift may be the perfect way to go because it can increase your income.

Here's how you might do it: Transfer cash or stock to us and establish a "charitable remainder unitrust" or "charitable remainder annuity trust" which would provide you with a five percent or greater annual return. This income would be paid to you and/or a loved one for life, after which the assets would be distributed to us. Through this arrangement, you would increase your income and make a meaningful, tax-deductible gift.

Bequests

While you're thinking about your income tax savings over the past year, consider tax savings over the long haul. The federal estate tax can eat up approximately 40 to 50 percent of one's estate at the time of death... a bigger bite than income tax. Seek the counsel of your attorney, accountant and financial advisor as you make your plans for the future.

We hope you will consider a charitable bequest to menlo College in your will. you will be supporting an outstanding institution of higher learning that has made—and will continue to make—a positive difference in the lives of countless students. You will also be helping your loved ones, who will save innumerable tax dollars.

For Further Information

Menlo College would be pleased to provide you, your attorney, accountant and tax advisor with additional information. Keep in mind that the information we have offered you here is general in nature and may or may not apply to your individual situation.