We will all be blessed by each and every gift. There are several ways to make and fulfill a pledge:

Pledges—Many people make a larger gift over a longer period of time. We can structure your pledge to meet your financial and tax needs. You can be billed on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

Cash Gifts—Tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Direct Deposit—You can arrange to have your monthly gift automatically withdrawn from your account.

Reminders—You can be billed on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

Corporate Gift Matching—Make your gift go further!  Are you currently employed or retired from a corporation that matches charitable gifts?  Companies like IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, Cisco Systems Inc., Pfizer, Verizon Wireless and many, many other corporations offer programs that match donations.  Since several school components are included in the current GIFT master plan, we may qualify to participate in your corporate matching grants program.  Please contact Kathy Goff at 847-8205 ext 243 with any questions on this program.

Gifts of Securities—Another term for stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other publicly traded securities. The donation must be an "in kind" transfer of the security itself, not the cash proceeds from the sale of the security. Such a transfer is easily made electronically from your investment account. Federal tax laws allow a charitable deduction for the full market value of the securities on the date of your gift. Since the security is never sold by the owner, no capital gain is recognized or taxed. Individuals should seek qualified tax counsel to review their own situation.

Gifts from an IRA—The Pension Protection Act of 2006 introduced a new opportunity for charitable donations. People over 70½ may make a donation directly from their IRA to a qualified charity and use the donation to satisfy a Required Minimum Distribution. This provision is only for 2007, and other limitations apply, but there are advantages depending on the donor's tax situation. Individuals should seek qualified tax counsel to review their own situation.

Further Considerations—If you would like to discuss whether making your contribution to the GIFT campaign through gifts of securities may be best for you, please contact Sue Mathys at 847-8205, extension 222.