You can make a gift in many ways. Some people want to make a gift immediately because they fell it's the right time. Others would rather plan a deferred gift after they've considered their total financial strategy. Here are some suggestions:

Immediate Gifts:
An outright gift of cash or a check increases the Foundation's endowment instantly which, in turn, makes it possible to increase the funds available for grants. Appreciated stock could provide particularly attractive tax benefits for the giver, and increase the Foundation's endowment by a significant amount. The Foundation's policy is to sell all gifts of equities as soon as possible after they are transferred.

Other Gifts:
Under certain circumstances, which would first include consultation with the Foundation, your attorney and/or tax accountant, you may also make a gift of closely held securities, real estate, tangible personal property, life insurance policies, partnership interests, annuities, or 401(k) proceeds.

Deferred Gifts:
You can also plan a gift which would come to the Foundation at a later date. Bequests direct a portion of your estate to the Foundation, which might result in a substantial reduction of federal gift and estate taxes.

Charitable gift annuities transfer cash or property to the Foundation right away, give immediate tax benefits, and ensure that you or a loved one receives fixed payments for life.

Charitable remainder trusts allow you to position cash or property that pays income to you or a beneficiary for life. After your death, the trust remainder goes to the Foundation and can be used to establish a charitable fund you select.

Charitable lead trusts pay a fixed amount to the Foundation for a designated number of years. The remaining assets go to the beneficiaries.

Caution:
Each of these deferred gifts provide many different options for giving. Before you decide, you should consult carefully with your financial advisor.