The following Outright Gift options are discussed on this page:

  • Checks and Credit Card Gifts
  • Gifts of Securities, Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds
  • Memorial or Tribute Gifts
  • Gifts of Real Estate
  • Gifts in Kind
  • Corporate Matching Funds
  • Charitable IRA Roll-Over Gifts

Gifts: Cash and Checks

These are the most common ways to give to SPIRIT. Checks need to be made payable to “SPIRIT, Inc.” with a note in the memo section specifying your desire to support the SPIRIT Program, Building Acquisition and Improvement Fund or some other purpose.

Gifts of Securities: Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds

Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds held for more than one year can provide special tax advantages. The donor can claim a charitable tax deduction for the full fair market value of the securities donated to SPIRIT and will never have to pay capital gains taxes on the appreciation. For gifts of publicly trade securities, the deduction is determined by taking the average (or “mean”) between the high and the low trading date(s)). Securities held for less than one year may also be donated, but the deduction is limited to the lesser cost basis and fair market value.

To transfer securities to SPIRIT, you or your broker should contact SPIRIT Administrative Office at SPIRIT Center, 276 Gates Place, Grass Valley, CA 95945, (530) 274-1431 or email us at spirit@localnet.com . When donating securities for a specific purpose, it is also helpful if you alert our financial planner to where your gift will be directed. Closely, held stock, Subchapter S corporation stock, limited liability company interest, and partnerships can sometimes be used to make a charitable gift. Any proposed gift of such assets need to be reviewed with SPIRIT and your tax advisors in advance. An S corporation, limited liability company, or partnership may also donate specific assets, and the deduction will be divided among the shareholders or members.

Memorial or Tribute Gifts

Any gifts may be designed in memory or honor of someone, such as a family member, friend, respected community leader, etc.

Gifts of Real Estate

Gifts of appreciated homes, farms and other real property can receive the same tax treatment as gifts of securities: a full fair market value deduction and no tax on the capital gain. If debt-free property is donated to SPIRIT, the gift is deductible at the property's appraised value. It is sometimes possible to donate a partial interest in property through an outright gift, a deferred gift, or some combination of the two options.

Gifts-In-Kind

Another way to support SPIRIT is through a gift of tangible personal property. If a gift is related to the “charitable purpose” of the SPIRIT Center, which is quite broad for Public Benefit Non-profit Corporations. The donor may be eligible for a deduction of the asset's full fair market value. Examples of gifts-in-kind include art work, special collections, furnishings, machinery, computer equipment, and software.

Corporate Matching Gifts

Many companies will double or even triple the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members, and retirees. Check with your company or contact our financial advisor to see if your company matches gifts. Even irrevocable deferred gifts may qualify for a match based on their deduction value.

The Charitable IRA Rollover

Special Gift Opportunity for 2007! The Pension Protection Act of 2006 contains a temporary provision that allows donors age 70 and a half or older to make a direct, tax free rollover of up to $100,000 from an IRA to a qualified charitable organization, such as SPIRIT Center-but now only during 2007. A charitable IRA rollover should be considered by individuals who are sure that they will not need these assets at a later date. Donors of any age can still make a deferred gift of IRA or other retirement accounts by naming SPIRIT, Inc. as the beneficiary at their death.