FAQ

Q&As: Non-Cash Assets/End of Year

Our Trusted Ministry Partner for Planned Giving

​

Q:  What are the benefits of donating stock?

A:  If you have appreciated stock or other securities you’ve owned for at least a year, you can receive a double tax benefit by donating it to Positive Options.

Not only will you receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of the stock, you’ll also avoid paying capital gains tax. This makes giving appreciated stock a much more cost-effective option than giving cash. 

To find out more about giving stock or other securities, call Marilyn at 616.396.8127 ext. 250  or email: plannedgiving@lpcenters.com.

Q:  Should I consider giving my real estate to Positive Options?

A: Yes! Many people give more toPositive Options at a lower cost than they ever thought possible through a gift of real estate! 

 Whether you’re wanting to sell a vacation home, farm or rental property, giving real estate holds significant benefits for you AND God’s Kingdom. Not only will you receive an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the property, you’ll also eliminate capital gains tax. All while supporting the important mission of Positive Options. 

Call Marilyn at 616.396.8127 ext. 250  or email: plannedgiving@lpcenters.com to find out more.

Q:  I’ve heard I can give directly from my crops. What are the benefits? 

A: Give directly from your harvest to stretch the value of your donation!

By giving commodities — such as grains, soybeans, livestock and more — you can achieve greater Kingdom impact and experience personal tax savings. Giving from your harvest reduces your taxable income and provides the ability to deduct your production costs. 

To learn more about giving commodities, call Marilyn at 616.396.8127 ext. 250  or email: plannedgiving@lpcenters.com.

​

Q:  I want to give a year-end gift to Positive Options, but I’m concerned about cash flow. What are my options?

A:  Here are three tax-wise solutions that allow you to give without affecting cash flow!

1. Gift of Stock. If you have appreciated stock or other securities you’ve owned for at least a year, you can receive a double benefit by donating it to ministry. Not only will you receive a charitable tax deduction for the fair market value, but you’ll also avoid paying capital gains tax.

2. Gifts of Real Estate. Many people are able to give more than they ever thought possible by giving a vacation home, rental property, farmland or other real estate to [MINISTRY NAME]. It’s a smart way to redirect property you no longer need or care to manage for the benefit of God’s Kingdom. 

3.Gift from your IRA.  If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a substantial gift to [Ministry Name] directly from your IRA. Not only will this gift meet your required minimum distributions, but it also reduces your taxable income. 

Ready to learn more? We’d love to help you identify smart and powerful giving solutions that fit your goals and situation. Call Marilyn at 616.396.8127 ext. 250  or email: plannedgiving@lpcenters.com

Q: How can I give to ministry through my Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?

A:  If you are at least 70 ½ years old, you can give up to $100,000 from your IRA (or $200,000 for couples) to Positive Options and receive significant tax benefits in return. 

Any gifts from your IRA...

• reduce your taxable income (whether or not you itemize!), 

• can be used to fulfill any charitable pledges you’ve made, AND

• will fulfill all or part of your required minimum distributions.

Is giving from your IRA the right solution for you? To learn more about this and other smart and powerful giving options, Call Marilyn at 616.396.8127 ext. 250  or email: plannedgiving@lpcenters.com.

Q: Isn’t cash the best way to give to ministry?

A:  While most charitable gifts are in the form of cash because this is so familiar, this is not always the most cost-effective way for you to give. You may be able to increase your potential impact— and experience significant tax benefits — by giving non-cash assets such as…

• Stock or marketable securities

• Real estate

• Business interests

• Farm commodities

• Life insurance

• Retirement benefits

• Tangible personal property

To learn more about giving non-cash assets or other smart and powerful giving options. Call Marilyn at 616.396.8127 ext. 250  or email: plannedgiving@lpcenters.com

Q: How can I buy more time to make a year-end gift to Positive Options?

A: Through a donor-advised fund (DAF), you can give stock or other non-cash assets into a single online giving account. So long as you deposit your gift into the DAF by December 31, you can claim a deduction on this year’s taxes. You can decide later how best to distribute the funds. 

Because of our partnership with Barnabas Foundation, you have complimentary access to the Stewards Fund, a DAF that reflects your Christian values. The Stewards Fund offers you more flexibility in recommending grants to Positive Options during the year-end rush. 

To learn more about giving through a donor-advised fund and other smart and powerful giving options, call Marilyn at 616.396.8127 ext. 250  or email: plannedgiving@lpcenters.com.

​

​