Ways to Give – Today, Tomorrow, Forever

Ways to Give Today

There are a variety of ways to make an immediate philanthropic impact on students at Trinidad State. The right option is always the one that works best for you.

Cash and Gift Pledge
For many people, making an annual cash donation or pledge is a great option. It’s simple and allows you to support Trinidad State at whatever level is appropriate. All donations are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Matching Gift
A great way to maximize your support is through a matching gift. Please check to see if your employer (or spouse’s employer) matches employee donations to qualified nonprofit organizations like the TSC Foundation. Some employers even double or triple employee gifts.

Appreciated Securities
Some people prefer to preserve available cash balances, seeking other options when making a donation. The most common example is a gift of appreciated securities – stocks, bonds or mutual fund shares. This option has two major advantages: (1) it can provide the donor with an immediate income tax deduction and (2) it can eliminate any capital gains tax when the securities are eventually sold. For more information about gifts of securities or to request our brokerage information, please contact the Foundation Office.

Qualified Charitable Distribution
For those age 70.5 and above, another option is to make a gift directly from your IRA.  This option is attractive for people who no longer itemize deductions or would like to donate without reducing available cash on hand.  And if you’ve reached age 73, a QCD has the added benefit of counting toward your annual Required Minimum Distribution.  To learn more—or to request a blank instruction letter than you can use with your IRA Custodian — please contact the Foundation.

Real Estate
Another alternative to a cash donation is a gift of appreciated real estate. Gifts of residential, commercial or agricultural property can make an important impact on our students, pending their appropriate review by TSC Foundation. Gifts of appreciated real estate have two major advantages: (1) it can provide the donor with an immediate income tax deduction and (2) it can eliminate any capital gains tax when the real estate is eventually sold. Please contact us during the early stages of your planning.

Equipment
The TSC Foundation accepts equipment that can be used by the College or quickly sold. Please contact the Foundation Office if you would like to explore a potential gift of equipment.

Personal Property
This option includes works of art, rare books, antiques and vehicles, among other items or collections. Please contact the Foundation office early in your consideration of any potential gift of personal property. Also, please know the final decision to retain or sell the donated property rests with the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Ways to Give in the Future

Gifts from wills, trusts and retirement accounts are crucial investments in the future of Trinidad State, providing an opportunity for alumni and friends to create a lasting legacy to benefit the students we serve. These gifts can be designated for a permanently endowed scholarship/program fund or directed toward their ‘highest and best’ use—it’s your choice. The Society of 1925 honors those who make these gifts.

Charitable Bequest
You can include a future gift in your Will or Living Trust, naming TSC Foundation to receive a portion of your estate or a specific asset. This option is highly flexible—allowing you to prioritize friends and loved ones as needed, balancing your desire to support Trinidad State with other financial priorities.

Beneficiary Designation
You can create a future gift by naming TSC Foundation to receive a portion of your IRA, company retirement plan, or life insurance policy. This option is highly flexible—you determine the appropriate percentages to leave for Trinidad State and your friends and loved ones. This gift is as simple as updating your named beneficiaries.

Payable on death (POD) with a POD option at your bank
This option allows you to donate a portion of the funds from a bank (or credit union) account to TSC Foundation with a POD option at your bank. This option is simple, inexpensive, and flexible to changing needs throughout your lifetime.

Transfer on death (TOD) account
This option allows you to donate a portion of the securities held in a brokerage or investment account to TSC Foundation. This option is simple, inexpensive, and flexible to changing needs throughout your lifetime.

Charitable Remainder Trust
A charitable remainder trust can provide powerful financial, tax, and estate planning benefits. You donate assets into trust for the eventual benefit of Trinidad State. In the interim, the trust pays income to you and/or your designated income beneficiaries.

Charitable Lead Trust
A charitable lead trust can provide support to Trinidad State for a defined period of time, before returning the donated assets to you or (alternatively) passing them onto your heirs. In the right situation, a charitable lead trust can be a powerful income and/or estate planning option.

Retained Life Estate
You can donate future ownership of a residence or farm to TSC Foundation, while retaining full use of your property throughout life.