The STW Development Foundation accepts charitable gifts of almost any size or kind; invests the capital; and distributes the income in the form of grants to programs and activities that are consistent with the purpose of the Foundation and that match the donor's interests.  Some of the most common philanthropic methods include:


IMMEDIATE GIVING

Cash
Cash is the easiest way to contribute - - whether by check, credit card, or actual cash.  Donors who make gifts of cash are eligible for a charitable deduction in the year the gift was made.

Publicly Traded Securities
Donors who contribut long-term appreciated securities to the STW Foundation receive a double federal tax benefit.  Gifts of appreciated securities are deductible at their full market value if held longer than 12 months.  Fair market value is the means between the high and low trades on the date of the gift.  The capital gains tax on the stock's appreciation (difference between the property's cost basis and its present fair market value) is completely avoided.  The fair market value of the donated securities can be deducted up to 30% of the donor's adjusted gross income with a 5-year carry-forward if required.

Closely Held Stock
Closely held stock are shares in a privately owned business.  The shares are usually owned by family members, top management, and the corporation itself.  The stock can be contributed outright to the STW Development Foundation, and the donor is entitled to a deduction for the appraised fair market value.  The donor also avoids the potential capital gains tax on any appreciation in the value of the stock.  Subsequent tot he gift, the STW Development Foundation may sell the stok to the corporation of to other shareholds for cash.  There can be no prior agreement between the charity and potential buyer before the gift is made.  The donor is entitled to a deduction for the full value of the stock up to 30% of his or her adjusted gross income.  A "qualified appraisal" is required if the claimed value exceeds $10,000.

Real Estate
Residental property, commercial or industrial sites, and undeveloped land are