Ways to Give
Payment Methods
All
Firsthand Fund gifts make a real difference for Berry students, helping
to pay their wages, reduce their tuition, enhance their scholarships
and make their Berry College experience exceptional. While most Firsthand
Fund gifts are “unrestricted,” meaning they are available for use where
funds are needed most, you can “restrict” your gift to a specific
purpose of your choosing. The Firsthand Fund “year” runs July 1 through
June 30.
Here are just some of the ways you can support the Firsthand Fund. Many offer considerable tax benefits.
|
 |
Cash gifts and pledges
Cash gifts and pledges made online or via the mail are the most
popular methods of giving to Berry’s Firsthand Fund. (See the Telefund
below!)
The Telefund
Many alumni and friends choose to say “Yes!” when Berry students
call each year as part of the Telefund effort. In fact, it is one of
our donors’ favorite ways of Firsthand Fund giving. Student callers reach
out to alumni and friends, giving prospective donors the opportunity
not only to give a gift or make a pledge, but also to talk with a
student about what’s happening at Berry and how their gift will help.
Pledges must be paid and gifts made by June 30 of each year.
Matching Gifts
Please see your employer to determine whether your company matches
gifts and/or to obtain a matching gift form to be completed and
enclosed with your gift. Many companies will match the charitable gifts
made by their employees, doubling the amount contributed to Berry
College. The total amount of the enhanced gift is then credited to the
employee/donor. Thank you!
Reunion Gifts
A reunion year offers a special opportunity to give a gift to Berry
in a fun and interesting way that goes above and beyond your regular
gifts. Working with the priorities of the college, the reunion
committee for each reunion class decides what the class gift or project
will be, such as creating a scholarship or funding a student-work
position.
Appreciated Securities
Contributing long-term appreciated stock or other securities that
have been held for one year or more can make it possible for you to
give a substantial gift to Berry and get a tax break. Usually when
appreciated securities are sold, the seller owes taxes on the full gain,
which means he or she keeps only part of the profit. But if the
appreciated security is given to a qualified charitable organization
such as Berry, the donor avoids capital gains tax and most likely will
qualify for a tax deduction on the entire value of the charitable gift.
Personal Property
Antiques, art objects and other collectibles can be valuable assets
for giving. You can donate the property to Berry and, in many cases,
take a deduction for the piece’s full fair market value. However, some
restrictions do apply, so we ask that you check with us before making a
gift of personal property.
Closely Held Stock
By making a gift of closely held stock, donors and their
corporations could help Berry and reap great benefits. For example,
gifts of closely held stock can mean an income tax deduction for the
charitable contribution, avoidance of capital gains tax on the
appreciated value of the stock, and avoidance of a second tax on
accumulated earnings by averting a dividend distribution.