How to give back to your hometown this Holiday season

Nebraskans cherish our communities and want to see them thrive. We invest our time, talent and treasure into building a brighter future for everyone, not just ourselves. Research confirms that sentiment. AmeriCorps’ 2019 Volunteering in America survey notes that 589,714 volunteers in our state contributed 53.8 million hours of service to the places and projects they are passionate about. More than 40% of Nebraskans volunteer, and over a third participate in local groups or organizations. Astounding numbers, but not surprising if you’ve spent much time here.

At Nebraska Community Foundation, we get to see the generosity of Nebraskans at work every day. In just five years, we’ve received 46,653 contributions from people who believe in the future of Greater Nebraska, whether or not they continue to live there today. Together they’ve built endowments totaling $138 million – that’s capital that will fuel progress in the future and create the kind of quality of life that will attract young families to our hometowns.

When asked to make a gift to support the communities and causes near to our hearts, most of us wouldn’t hesitate to reach for our wallets. When it comes to making a larger gift, however, thinking beyond cash can help us make an even greater impact… not to mention provide tax benefits. Here are just a few assets that you may consider as you make your end of year charitable gifts.

IRA Charitable Rollover: If you are over the age of 70 1/2, you may make a qualified charitable distribution up to $100,000 from an IRA to a charity without paying taxes on the distribution. The gift may also qualify as your required minimum distribution. This is like receiving a 100% tax deduction.

Appreciated Stocks or Mutual Funds: Making gifts of stocks or mutual funds that have increased in value since purchase has several benefits. First, if you have owned the asset for more than one year, it can be deducted at its current market value. Second, the sale of appreciated stocks or mutual funds generates a capital gain upon which you are taxed. However, when you make a charitable gift of the stocks or mutual funds you pay no capital gains tax.

Grain or Livestock: A gift of grain or livestock allows farmers and ranchers to avoid claiming the sale price of the commodity as income and deduct the cost of production as a business expense. In other words, the gift can be made completely tax-free.

Real Estate: A gift of real estate that has increased in value since you have owned it has several benefits. First, if you have owned the property for more than one year, the gift of real estate can be deducted at its current market value. Second, the sale of the appreciated real estate generates a capital gain upon which you are taxed. However, when you make a charitable gift of the real estate, you pay no capital gains tax when it is sold by the charity.

Paid-up Life Insurance Policy: By naming charity the owner and beneficiary of a paid-up life insurance policy, you will be able to receive a current income tax deduction. The income tax deduction is approximately equal to the policy’s cash value or the premiums paid, if less. Or, name a favorite charitable organization or community foundation as the beneficiary of the policy.

Nebraska Community Foundation has an abundance of free information on charitable giving that doesn’t involve writing a check available at https://nebcommfound.giftlegacy.com. We always advise speaking with your professional advisor about the giving method that is best for your specific circumstances.

— Jeff Yost is President and CEO of Nebraska Community Foundation.