You are invited to invest in the future of our public schools by making a donation to the Education Foundation. As you can see below, there are many ways to make a meaningful contribution.

Donate using our secure server

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Education Foundation at 541-322-5493 or educfund@bend.k12.or.us

Gifts of Cash

Cash contributions are deductible as an itemized deduction in the year you make the donation, up to a total of 50% of your adjusted gross income. Excess charitable deductions can be carried forward for up to five additional years.

Gifts of Securities

The best stocks to donate are those that have increased in value, particularly those producing a low yield. In order to preserve tax advantages, it is critical that you transfer the physical securities to the Education Foundation rather than the proceeds from a sale.

Appreciated Securities

If you donate appreciated stock that you've held for more than one year, you pay no capital gains tax on the transaction and are entitled to a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock. (Your income tax deduction is limited to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. Any excess can be carried forward for five additional years). If you wish to continue investing in a specific stock, you could donate the stock to Education Foundation and then use cash to purchase shares with the same company, thus increasing your cost basis to current fair market value.

Depreciated Securities

If you have stock losses, generally you should not contribute the stock, but rather sell the stock yourself to realize the loss for tax purposes. You can then contribute the cash to Education Foundation and take a charitable deduction.

Mutual Funds

A charitable contribution of mutual fund shares can provide the same tax advantages as a gift of appreciated stock. Due to the complexities involved in the transfer of mutual fund shares, we encourage you to begin the process well before December 31.

Gifts of Real Estate

If you own property that is not subject to a mortgage and has appreciated in value, a charitable gift may be an attractive option. You can claim an income tax deduction based on the fair market value of the property, avoid all capital gains taxes and remove that asset from your taxable estate. Or, you can transfer your home or farm to the Education Foundation now and continue to use the property for the rest of your life. Due to the complexities involved, we encourage you to contact us to discuss any gift of real estate.

Retirement Accounts

The Pension Protection Act of 2006, enacted for 2006 and 2007 only, allows you to transfer up to $100,000 to charity from your individual retirement account tax free this year. The transaction incurs no federal income tax and the asset is no longer part of your estate for tax purposes. You can choose to give during your lifetime so that you and your community can see the results sooner than if your gift had been made through your estate plan.