Other Ways to Give
Cash Gifts & Giving Circles
A cash gift is the simplest way to establish a named fund or add to an existing fund at the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. To connect with fellow philanthropists in your area, you may consider starting a giving circle, in which members combine their money to make joint contributions. Cash gifts are fully deductible up to 50 percent of the donor's adjusted gross income each year. Deduction amounts exceeding this limit may be carried forward for up to 5 additional years. Cash gifts can be made by check wire transfer or major credit card.
Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities (bonds and stock, including stock in closely held companies) also may be used to establish a fund or add to an existing fund. Such gifts often provide important tax advantages. Their full fair market value is deductible as a charitble contribution up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. As with gifts of cash, deduction amounts exceeding this limit may be carried forward for up to 5 additional years. The added benefit of giving appreciated securities is the avoidance of the capital gains tax on the appreciated portion of the gift. Gifts of closely held stock enjoy the same tax benefits as publicly traded stock.
Real Estate
A gift of real estate held more than one year can provide the same federal tax advantages as those described for gifts of securities. However, because the ability to accept gifts of real estate depends on a number of factors, such gifts are considered on a case-by-base basis.
