Types of Gifts

Gifts of Cash

This is the simplest way to give. However, you can deduct a cash gift for income tax purposes only in the year in which you contribute it. Your cash gifts are deductible for up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income for the taxable year, and any excess is deductible over the next five years.

Gifts of Securities

Why a gift of appreciated securities may be worth more than cash:

• When you make your next gift to Warren Wilson College, consider donating appreciated securities rather than writing a check. If you give appreciated securities to Warren Wilson, there is no tax on your gain, even though the gain is counted as part of your charitable deduction. In essence, you get credit for the current market value of the gift, but your cost is only the original price you paid for the securities.
• If you have owned the securities you intend to donate for longer than twelve months, you are entitled to a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the donation. The deduction is available in the year of the gift, for up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. If the entire deduction cannot be used in the year of the gift, the excess may be carried over for up to five years.
• If you want to give the College securities on which you have incurred a loss, consider selling them instead and then donating the proceeds. That way, you'll have a loss deduction to offset any gains on sales, plus you will still receive your charitable deduction.
• You may also choose to fund a Life Income Gift with appreciated securities. Not only do you receive a charitable deduction and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated portion of the assets, many donors also discover that the income generated by the Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust significantly exceeds the dividends paid to them prior to the creation of the gift.

There are several ways to transfer securities to Warren Wilson College. Before making your gift, please notify us by calling Mary Craig at (828) 771-2052. This will ensure that your gift is credited properly and directed according to your wishes.

Electronic Transfer

The easiest way to make a gift of securities to the College is through electronic transfer from your brokerage account. Our brokerage account is set up at Wachovia Securities in Asheville, North Carolina. First, ask your broker to call Mary Craig to notify us of your gift. Then instruct your broker to transfer the shares to Warren Wilson, as follows:

Wachovia Securities
DTC# 0141
For credit to the account of Warren Wilson College
A/C# 69371180
Contact Person: Molly Whatley
Phone: (800) 929-0973

The shares will be electronically transferred and your gift date will be the date the shares enter our account. The value of your gift will be determined by the average market value of the securities on the date of the transfer.

Gift of Certificates in Your Possession

If you would like to mail a stock or bond certificate registered in your name to Warren Wilson College, please call Mary Craig at (828) 771-2052. She will be happy to go over the details with you to ensure a secure transfer of your gift.

If you prefer hand delivery, you may bring the certificates and a letter describing the intended use of the gift to the Office of Advancement in the upper level of the Orr Cottage. The value of your gift will be determined by the average market value of the securities on the date the certificates are delivered to Warren Wilson.

Gifts of Real Estate

Donors may find that after many years, their residence or vacation home has appreciated more than their other assets. Donors who are considering relocation to a retirement or assisted living community may be faced with significant capital gains tax upon the sale of these assets. A gift of real estate to Warren Wilson results in a charitable income tax deduction based on the fair market value at the time of the gift, and avoidance of capital gains tax liability.

In addition, a gift of real estate can be structured to provide a life income (usually through a trust or gift annuity -- click here for more information on Life Income Gifts). To ensure a smooth and orderly gift transfer, the College has a preliminary review process and guidelines for acceptance of real estate gifts. Property must be mortgage-free and readily salable, with evidence of clear title and a recent qualified appraisal to substantiate the property's value. When you give your home or other real estate to the College, you create an enduring testimonial to your interest in our mission. We'll be glad to assist you, your attorney, and/or your tax advisor in finding the best plan for you.