Real Estate: Transforming Realty to Gift Reality

Want to make a gift to St. Francis de Sales Church (SFDSCC) without touching your bank account? Consider donating real estate—whether it’s your personal residence, vacation home, farm, commercial property, or undeveloped land. Such a generous gift helps sustain our parish’s ministries and outreach for years to come. When you give appreciated property you’ve held longer than one year, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction and may minimize or eliminate capital gains tax. Plus, you’re relieved of ongoing maintenance costs, property taxes, and insurance.

Ways to Give Real Estate

• Outright Gift — Donate property you’ve owned for more than one year and receive a charitable deduction for its full fair market value. You also eliminate capital gains tax on its appreciation.
• Gift in Your Will or Trust — A simple sentence in your will or trust can ensure your real estate supports SFDSCC after your lifetime, giving you flexibility now and a larger legacy later.
• Retained Life Estate — Deed your residence or farm to SFDSCC but retain the right to occupy or rent it for life. You receive a charitable deduction now while continuing to live in the home.
• Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity — Transfer property to SFDSCC in exchange for fixed payments for life. You get a current tax deduction, may eliminate part of your capital gains tax, and gain predictable income.
• Bargain Sale — Sell property to SFDSCC for less than its value. The difference is a charitable gift, enabling you to receive cash and claim a deduction simultaneously.
• Charitable Remainder Unitrust — Contribute appreciated real estate and receive an income stream for life or up to 20 years. The remainder then supports SFDSCC.
• Charitable Lead Trust — Fund a trust with income-producing real estate that benefits SFDSCC for a term, then passes to your heirs tax-efficiently.
• Memorial or Endowed Gift — Give real estate to create an endowed fund. The principal remains intact, and annual distributions support the purpose you designate in perpetuity.
• Donor Advised Fund — Transfer property to your donor advised fund to avoid capital gains tax and claim a deduction for its fair market value, then recommend grants to SFDSCC.

Questions or need assistance? Contact our Business Office at (540) 338-6381 or email l.burgess@saintfrancisparish.org.