Gifts of Stock

Many JFCS donors choose to make their gifts through appreciated stock. By choosing a stock gift, you gain the satisfaction of supporting people in need, while bypassing capital-gains taxes and receiving substantial income-tax deductions. To conduct a stock transfer please contact Karen Gordon, Director of Annual Giving, at 415-449-1256 or KarenG@jfcs.org.

Life-Insurance Gifts

You may transfer ownership of a life insurance policy to Jewish Family and Children's Services or make JFCS the beneficiary of the insurance policy. This type of gift is particularly popular with donors who have taken out "extra" life insurance policies that will not be needed and others who wish to make a large philanthropic gift to benefit JFCS but cannot afford to make an outright gift.

It is not difficult to make a life-insurance gift. You simply complete a change of ownership/beneficiary form that can be supplied by your insurance company. A life-insurance gift has the following benefits:

• You may have a superfluous policy and would like JFCS to benefit.
• You can make a larger philanthropic gift through life insurance than may be possible as an outright gift. Affordable premiums can produce a large death benefit.
• You receive an income-tax deduction for the paid-up life insurance policy's replacement value (the cost for obtaining an identical policy).

Real-Estate Gifts

More and more businesses and individuals are realizing the benefits of donating real estate to JFCS. This makes sense for several reasons, not the least of which is avoiding the expense of marketing the property. And it will certainly boost your company's image in the community by sharing your good fortune with those who rely on JFCS for support.

Donations of land can produce highly beneficial tax results. Many real estate holdings have appreciated greatly in recent years and may be subject to capital gains taxes if sold. Donation of real estate directly to JFCS or through the use of a charitable remainder trust often minimizes these taxes and provides an income tax deduction.

So when you give a gift of your home or real property to JFCS, you may claim an income tax charitable deduction based on the full market value of the gift, avoid capital gains taxes, and eliminate certain costs associated with the transfer of real property. Gifts of real estate can also provide income for you.

Because special IRS regulations apply to the contribution of real estate, such as substantiation of value through a "qualified appraisal" and depreciation recapture, it is important to obtain professional advice if you are thinking about donating real estate.

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