Real Estate

You can make outright gifts of real estate to the Foundation.

If you've owned it more than one year, both you and the Foundation can avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation in value.

The income tax deduction is usually equal to the fair market value of the property, with some exceptions. A qualified appraisal is required.

If the amount of the gift exceeds 30% of your adjusted gross income, you can carry the excess forward for up to five more years.

You can also give real estate with a bequest in your will or living trust.
Unencumbered real estate can be used to establish a charitable remainder unitrust.

Real estate with lifetime use

You can make a gift of your personal residence, vacation home or farm to the Foundation and retain a "life estate" in the property.

You deed the property to the Foundation and receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of the appraised fair market value. This allows you to use or rent the property until your death, at which time the Foundation takes possession of the property.