A Tax-Savvy Way to Benefit from Growing Assets

Securities and mutual funds that have increased in value and been held for more than one year can be a smart and impactful way to support the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. By donating these appreciated assets, you can help advance our mission while also receiving valuable financial benefits.

When you give appreciated securities or mutual funds, you can reduce — or even eliminate — federal capital gains taxes on the transfer. You may also qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction based on the fair market value of the assets at the time of the gift.

Common ways to give securities include:

An Outright Gift

When you donate securities directly to the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, you receive the same income tax savings as if you made a cash gift — plus the added benefit of eliminating capital gains taxes on the transfer, which can be as high as 20 percent.

A Transfer on Death (TOD) Account*

By placing a TOD designation on your brokerage or investment account, the assets in that account will be transferred to one or more persons or charities — such as the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh — after your lifetime, while you maintain full control during your life.

Your gift of appreciated securities can make a powerful difference in the lives of those we serve — and help you make the most of your growing assets.

*Please consult your financial advisor or attorney to determine the best giving strategy for your situation.

Real Estate

Transforming Reality into Gift Reality

Looking for a way to make a meaningful gift to the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh without impacting your cash flow? Consider donating real estate — such as a personal residence, vacation home, farm, commercial property, or undeveloped land.

Your generous gift will help us continue serving our community for years to come. At the same time, it can provide you with significant benefits. When you donate appreciated property you’ve owned for more than one year, you may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction and reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes. Plus, you’ll no longer have to worry about maintenance costs, property taxes, or insurance for that property.

Another advantage: you won’t have to manage the sale yourself. You can deed the property directly to the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh or have your attorney include the gift in your will or trust.

Ways to Give Real Estate

You can give real estate to the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh in several ways, including:

• An Outright Gift: Transfer ownership now to make an immediate impact on our mission.

• Through Your Will or Trust: Include a simple provision directing that your property be given to the YMCA after your lifetime.

• A Retained Life Estate: Donate your home but continue to live in it for the rest of your life.

• As Part of a Charitable Remainder Trust: Receive income for life or a set number of years, with the remainder benefiting the YMCA.

An Example of How It Works

Janet purchased a rental property years ago and has watched it steadily increase in value. Still active in her career and traveling often, she’s finding the management of the property more and more of a hassle. Janet decides to donate the property to a charity that matters deeply to her — the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh — while also realizing valuable tax benefits.

By making this gift, Janet avoids capital gains tax on the appreciation and qualifies for a federal income tax charitable deduction for the property’s fair market value. She loves knowing her property will have a lasting impact, supporting the YMCA’s mission and strengthening the community for years to come.

Outright Gift or Bargain Sale

Turn Your Treasures into a Charitable Legacy

Your treasures — such as valuable antiques, stamp and coin collections, works of art, cars, boats, and other personal property — can become meaningful charitable gifts today or as part of your legacy. The financial benefits of your gift depend on whether the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh can use the property in a way that is directly related to our mission.

• Related use property — For example, artwork donated to an art program or display — is generally deductible at its full fair market value.

• Nonrelated use property — Items not used directly in our mission — may still be accepted, but the charitable deduction is limited to the lesser of the property’s fair market value or your tax basis in the item.

If the federal income tax charitable deduction for a gift of tangible personal property exceeds $5,000, you’ll need an appraisal from a qualified appraiser and a special IRS form submitted with your tax return.

Ways to Use Property as a Donation

• An Outright Gift – Transfer ownership now, allowing your gift to support our work immediately while you may receive a federal income tax charitable deduction if you itemize.

• A Gift in Your Will or Living Trust – Leave a lasting legacy by donating property to the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh through your estate plan.

• A Bargain Sale – Sell us your property for less than fair market value. For example, if you sell us an antique for $30,000 that is worth $50,000, you receive a $20,000 charitable deduction and $30,000 in payment from the YMCA.

• A Memorial or Tribute Gift – Honor someone whose life has been touched by the YMCA with a gift in their name.

• An Endowed Gift – Establish or contribute to an endowment to ensure your support continues for generations.

• A Charitable Remainder Trust – Contribute tangible personal property to a charitable remainder trust. If you or a loved one is an income beneficiary, you may receive a charitable deduction when the property is sold. Adding cash or appreciated securities can help cover costs until the property is sold.

• A Donor-Advised Fund – Tangible personal property — such as antiques, collectibles, art, cars, and boats — can sometimes be gifted to and sold by your donor-advised fund to benefit the causes you choose, including the YMCA.

Closely Held Stock

A Strategic Way to Support the YMCA and Your Financial Goals

If you own stock in a closely held business, you may be able to use that stock as a powerful way to support the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh and strengthen our future.

Closely held stock* is most often used to make an outright gift. You can donate this type of stock as long as the governing documents of the business allow for additional owners and the stock is debt-free. The process begins with valuing your ownership interest in the business.

Could This Be a Good Option for You?

Review the checklist below, then consult your legal and tax advisors to determine if this tax-efficient giving strategy is right for you:

• You are a majority shareholder in a closely held corporation.

• You want to remove retained earnings from the corporation without incurring double taxation.

• You want to maintain a controlling position in the corporation’s outstanding stock.

• You want to avoid capital gains taxes on the shares you donate to the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh.

• You would like to receive a federal income tax deduction for the full appraised value of the gift.

• You want to make a lasting difference in the community through our mission.

*A gift of closely held stock requires special handling. Always consult with your professional legal and tax advisors before proceeding.