Why Is Now the Time to Give?

December 8, 2015

Making a gift to the Blue Ribbon Foundation this holiday season can be a heartwarming experience that will set us up for success in the coming year. Plus, when you make your gifts by December 31, you will see a tax break for this year if you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return. That's not all—depending on the gift arrangements you choose, you can eliminate capital gains tax and reduce your income and future estate taxes.

Timing Is Everything

All gifts must be fully completed on or before December 31 to qualify for an income tax deduction this year.

Cash contributions sent through the mail are usually deductible if they are mailed by midnight on December 31.
Securities are generally deductible on the date they are transferred (if done electronically) to our books—not the date you ask your broker to make the transfer.
Life insurance gifts are considered complete on the date you sign the paperwork transferring ownership to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, assuming you properly forward the form on to the insurance company.
Real estate gifts, in most states, are considered complete on the date a properly executed deed is delivered to us.

We Can Help

Contact Robin Taylor at (515) 262-3111 x373 to learn how you can get the most from your donation to the Blue Ribbon Foundation this year. Get your free guide to year-end giving.

Our Giving Tree from the 2015 Corndog Kickoff.

Holiday decorations on the gate of our office.