Immediate Giving Options

Immediate gifts to Mid-America are just as the name implies: gifts that are given to Mid-America now. Immediate gifts can include the following:

Cash and Certificates of Deposit
A monetary gift is the most popular and simple type of charitable gift. This type of gift is generally tax deductible if you itemize your deductions on your tax return making the actual cost to you less than the gift itself. Cash gifts are fully deductible up to fifty percent of your adjusted gross income. Any excess of the fifty percent deduction rule can be carried forward for up to five additional years. Mid-America is able to accept credit or debit card payments for cash gifts. If you wish to make a regular donation to Mid-America you can simplify the process by authorizing automatic payments from the checking or savings account of your choice. To initiate automatic payments you much submit a Debit Authorization Form to Mid-America. Click here to print a copy of this form.

Stocks and Bonds
Gifts of stocks, bonds, and other securities that have appreciated in value can often be made at a low net cost to you. A gift of appreciated stock can provide a twofold tax savings. First, you avoid having to pay capital gains on the appreciated value of any stock held for more than one year. Second, you will receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock in the year the gift is made.

Matching Gifts
Many employers now have programs that will match a percentage of an employees charitable giving. Some matching gift programs even include gifts from spouses and retired employees. Matching gifts can often double or even triple your contribution. Check with your employer to see if they offer a matching gift program.

Real Property
Gifts of real property can consist of almost any type of property: a personal or secondary residence, a farm, a business property, or an undeveloped parcel of land. The gift can be for your entire share in the real property or a partial interest. The gift may be made immediately while you retain lifetime use of the property. The tax benefits to donating real property now include the avoidance of probate and limiting the capital gains tax. Property such as artwork, antiques, automobiles and other tangible items can also be donated.

Memorial and Honorary Gifts
Memorial or honorary gift funds can be set up when a loved one passes away as some donors prefer to make a memorial gift.

For more information on immediate giving options contact Mid-America Reformed Seminary's Director of Development.