Cash and Pledges
Cash gifts are the most popular and convenient way of supporting the RCCD Foundation. This also provides the added benefit of your gift having an immediate impact. Checks made out to the RCCD Foundations can be designated as unrestricted (to be used in the area of most need) or to a project or fund of your choice. You many also make a multi-year pledge to increase your gift and maximize your tax benefits.
Matching Gifts
Many corporations have matching gift programs that may multiply the value of gifts from their employees, officers, retirees, and spouses. Typically, matching gift forms are available from your company's human resources offices.
Stock and Bonds
Current market conditions have created ideal giving opportunities for appreciated assets such as stocks, bonds, and other forms of securities. Securities are deductible to the extent of their market value on the date of the gift, subject to usual charitable gift limits.
Real Estate
Donations through the RCCD Foundation of private, commercial or industrial real estate can be of tremendous value. Consultation with the Foundation during the early stages of your gift planning is highly recommended.
Equipment
The Foundation accepts equipment that can be of use in the educational mission of our colleges. Please contact the Foundation office directly to discuss your possible gift. IRS regulations require that you obtain a certified appraisal for equipment contributions of over $5,000.
Personal Property
Works of art, books, vehicles, etc. are considered gifts of personal property and are accepted by the Foundation if they support the educational missions of our colleges. Your deduction will depend on the appraised value and how your gift will be used by the College.
Life Insurance
Insurance gifts can benefit the RCCD Foundation in many ways. A policy that is no longer required for its original purpose may be transferred to the Foundation or a new policy naming the Foundation as a beneficiary can be developed as a long-term planned gift. We welcome the opportunity to work with you and your insurance agent.
Retirement Savings
You may also name the RCCD Foundation as a beneficiary of all or part of a retirement plan. New legislation offers excellent opportunities in this area for individuals over 70 ½ years of age. The Foundation will works closely with the administrator of your retirement assets to assit with this type of arrangement.
Bequests
By naming the RCCD Foundation in your will or living trust, you can give support to the College after your loved ones have been provided for. Your gift may be a bequest of a specific dollar amount; a residuary bequest of all or a portion of your estate; a contingent bequest; or a testamentary trust. Often a charitable bequest can be made simply with the addition of a codicil to your existing will. The RCCD Foundation can provide your with sample codicil language.
Retained Life Estate
You can deep property (your personal residence, vacation home, etc.) to the RCCD Foundation with the agreement that you and/or your spouse retain the right to live in the house for the remainder of your life. You receive an immediate tax benefit for the gift.
Charitable Gift Annuities
Establishing a gift annuity allows you to receive from the Foundation a guaranteed, partly tax free income for life in exchange for a gift of cash or other assets. You are entitled to an immediate tax deduction and may realize other tax savings if your gift is funded with appreciated assets such as securities or real estate. A plan may also be devised through which a spouse, parent or loved one can receive the guaranteed payments if your income is adequate. A deferred payment can also be arranged, providing a greater tax deduction and larger guaranteed payments beginning at a future date. This is often used to plan for retirement income or provide money for college.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
By transferring assets such as personal property to the RCCD Foundation to establish a trust, you or a beneficiary receive income for your lifetime or a period of years. Eventually, the remaining assets of the trust pass on to the RCCD Foundation. This gift works well if you need curent income, and can offer significant tax benefits.
Charitable Lead Trusts
You may transfer assets to a trust for a fixed number of years. The interest earned during those years will go to the RCCD Foundation. At the end of the established time period, the remaining principal will go back to you or your beneficiaries. This gift works well if you do not need current income and want the asset to go to a beneficiary. This option also offers significant tax benefits.