Appreciated Property:

Giving gifts of appreciated property in the form of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate will provide greater tax benefits than a cash gift of equivalent value, especially if they have a low cost basis.  First, you’ll receive a charitable deduction for the full market value of your property – even if you initially bought it for far less.  Then, by gifting it to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, you avoid capital gains tax – money you’d have to pay if you liquidated the property.

It is also possible to make a gift of your home, farm, or vacation home so that you and your spouse can continue to use it for your lifetimes and you will receive a tax deduction for the year in which you donate it.