Assets you may contribute

A Gift of Cash (by Check or Credit Card) is a simple way to support the Oakland Museum. Your gift of cash or an unappreciated asset is deductible up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income if you itemize your income tax deductions. If you are unable to deduct the full gift amount in one year, you may carry the unused deduction forward on your tax returns for up to five additional years.

A Gift of Appreciated Assets, such as stocks, mutual funds, bonds or real estate can be an excellent way to provide much needed support. By contributing appreciated assets you receive a double benefit: you avoid tax on the appreciation and you receive a charitable income tax deduction on the value of the assets, so that the actual cost of giving may be very low. If you itemize your tax return, your gift of appreciated property is deductible up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income and you may carry any unused portion forward on your tax returns for up to five more years.

Securities, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds are easily contributed. The Development Office can give you instructions for transferring the security. Generally, if your securities have decreased in value, they should be sold first and the cash proceeds donated.

Closely Held Stock provides you with another way to support the museum. This kind of stock is privately owned and not publicly traded. If you are considering a gift of closely held stock, it is important that you not enter into a prior written agreement with either the corporation or a potential purchaser before you make your gift.

Real Estate can create an important gift. Because of the special nature of real estate, the Oakland Museum will carefully evaluate each property prior to acceptance, to ensure that it meets specific guidelines.

A Gift of Personal Property such as collections, books, or art may also be given to the museum. Special rules apply for these donations and it is important to discuss this type of gift with the Development Office prior to contributing it outright or designating it as a gift from your estate.

Retirement Plan or Life Insurance assets may be contributed to the museum and again special rules apply for these donations. The Development Office can provide instructions.

All of these assets may be contributed to the museum outright or through a planned gift.

Contact us for more information