Support SMCHS
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There are many giving options with possible tax benefits accompanying each choice. Gifts may be tailored to express the donor's interests and financial situation.
GIFTS OF CASH Most donors find that a personal check is the easiest way to make a gift. These donations are fully tax-deductible and have an immediate impact upon the program for which the funds are allocated. Checks should be made out to "Santa Margarita Catholic High School" and mailed to: Santa Margarita Catholic High School
c/o Office of Advancement 22062 Antonio Parkway Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 CREDIT CARD Another immediate way for donors to contribute is through a credit card gift. These gifts can be made by calling the Office of Advancement at (949) 766-6080 or completing a gift form with the appropriate information. SMCHS accepts Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Remember airline miles! PLEDGE Pledge gifts are encouraged for the Parent Pledge Program. You may make up your own payment schedule - whatever is easiest on your checkbook. We suggest that you make payments on the tuition off-months. Pledges should be made in writing. ELECTRONIC TRANSFER An increasingly popular way to give is through electronic means. It is a simple and convenient way to make monthly, or quarterly payments on a pledge gift. The transfer is set up through a credit card and we charge it whenever you tell us. GIFTS THROUGH EMPLOYMENT Double your gift! Many employers offer a matching gift program to encourage employees, retirees and their family members support of nonprofit organizations. Specific details about your matching gift program can be obtained through the Office of Advancement, or the Human Resources office at your work place. Many businesses also run United Way campaigns; you may designate SMCHS as the recipient of your payroll deduction to this campaign. Our Orange County United Way number is #642495. GIFTS-IN-KIND Donations of technology, equipment, furniture and other items relevant to our educational program and in good condition are welcome. The donor, through appraisal or record of purchase, determines gift value. If the in-kind gift is of direct and immediate use to SMCHS in fulfilling its mission (such as new computer equipment for instructional use); a donor may deduct the full fair market value. APPRECIATED STOCKS OR SECURITIES In giving securities to SMCHS that have increased in value since you bought them, not only can you take the current market price as a tax deduction, you owe no income tax or capital gains tax on the increase. This is an excellent time to take advantage of large increases in your securities holdings. Some donors have stocks that have appreciated over time and would rather donate these than cash to the school. These gifts are unique in that the donor can take a federal tax deduction for the full, fair market value of the stock, regardless of how much the donor paid for the stock. No capital gains taxes apply. For more information please call the Office of Advancement at (949) 766-6080. Gifts of appreciated stocks or mutual fund shares provide immediate support to the school. Donors may realize substantial tax savings by transferring appreciated stock or securities to the school prior to the sale. Capital gains on the amount of appreciation may be avoided, and the donors receive a tax deduction based on the fair market value of the stock or property at the time of the gift. Instructions for Giving Stock to SMCHS: If the stock is in a brokerage account: Step 1: Please write up a request which states how many shares of what company's stock to be transferred from your broker to Dean Witter - Attn: Tom Kleinbauer. Include your name and address and state on the request when you want it sold (today, tomorrow or hold it)
Step 2: Please contact The Advancement Office at (949) 766-6078 or fax information to (949) 766-6040 advising us of your stock gift.
PLANNED GIFTS
A number of planned gift vehicles exist for donors to make gifts to a charity over time. Some of these include gifts of life insurance, bequests, remainder trusts and other annuities. Many unique and beneficial tax advantages can be gained through these gifts. Please contact the Office of Advancement at (949) 766-6080. Planned giving allows almost any individual to provide a gift to SMCHS while carrying out his or her own financial goals. Through planned giving, donors may find that they are able to make a more generous gift to SMCHS while receiving financial benefits such as increased current income, tax savings, avoidance of capital gains tax, and reduced estate settlement costs. REAL ESTATE Gifts of real estate including personal residences, vacation homes, commercial properties, farms, and unimproved land may provide exceptional tax benefits for the donors while providing support for the school. Similar to the situation with appreciated stock and securities, if the ownership of the unencumbered real estate is transferred to SMCHS prior to its sale, the donors will likely avoid the capital gains tax associated with that appreciation. LIFE INSURANCE A major gift to SMCHS may be funded with a new or old life insurance policy at a relatively small cost. There are many ways in which life insurance policies can be used to make a contribution, all of which provide tax deductions and may enable donors to make a larger gift than otherwise possible. BEQUESTS A valid, updated will is the cornerstone of an effective estate plan, and a bequest is a provision in your will to make a gift to the future of SMCHS. Please notify the school if you have already included, or plan to include the school in your estate plans. Planned giving, wills, trusts or retirement plans, can be an advantage both to you and to SMCHS by securing your future and the future of the school as well. Thank you for considering a gift to SMCHS! |
