Ways To Give Kennedy Charter Public School is always grateful to each and every donor for financial contributions, in-kind gifts and of course for your concern for the education of children. The school is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that celebrated it's 10th year anniversary in 2008. As you may know, Kennedy Charter Public School does not receive the same funding as traditional public schools. Many services provided at the school are not covered through local, state or federal funding. Yet we feel these services are critical to our students' success. These extra services include a strong "Wellness Program," vocational education and training, psychological and educational testing and treatment, and beginning in the Fall of 2009 the "FAST Program" which involves the family in a strong and structured way with each student's education. Also, no capital expenses are included in local, state or federal funding.

All buildings, desks, chairs, computers, athletic equipment, etc. are funded through the generosity of caring donors.

Please consider Kennedy Charter Public School in your philanthropic priorities. We are grateful for your support and your interest. Following is information about different ways to give:

Cash: A Popular Gift
Gifts to Kennedy Charter Public School are usually made in the form of cash and checks. Cash gifts are convenient for many people and are easily recorded through canceled checks and thank-you letters/receipts. Remember that it is important to save all receipts to assure maximum tax savings. When our country faces economic challenges other ways of giving are often beneficial. Following are a few ways to give in addition to gifts of cash and checks.

Giving Depreciated Property
If you have stock or other property that has decreased in value, you will normally save more in taxes by selling them and giving the proceeds. You may then be able to claim a capital loss on your tax return. You can also deduct the cash proceeds you give as a charitable gift. The result can be to enjoy tax deductions that amount to more than the current value of the asset.

Giving Appreciated Property
If you have non-cash property, such as stocks and mutual funds, that has grown in value (appreciated) and been held long-term (more than one year), you can generally enjoy greater tax savings from giving such property than from giving an equivalent amount of cash. That's because a gift of appreciated property lets you bypass capital gain tax that could be due if you sold the asset. You are also entitled to a charitable deduction based on the property's current value, including the "paper profits" you have earned since you have owned it.

Charitable Gift Annuity This is a wonderful way to make meaningful gifts while enjoying income and tax benefits that can also help enhance your future financial well-being. Under the terms of a gift annuity, you make a charitable gift of cash or other property. You and/or others, if you desire, then receive generous fixed payments for life. The frequency and amount of payments are determined at the time the gift annuity is funded. The payments will never change and will continue regardless of how long you and/or other recipients live.

Because a portion of your gift annuity will be used for charitable purposes, you are entitled to an income tax deduction in the year of your gift. In addition, for a period of time, a portion of each payment may be free of income tax or taxed at capital gains tax rates that are lower than tax rates on other income. In light of current market conditions gift annuity rates are very appealing. You should not select a gift annuity only for a higher return, however, since the principal would be committed to Kennedy Charter Public School.

Please check with your advisors regarding which way(s) of giving are most appropriate for your situation. For futher information please contact Jane Grosse, VP for Institutional Advancement at jane.grosse@elonhomes.org.

New Law Extends Giving Opportunities
A benefit of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 is that it gives people at least 70½ years old the opportunity to make charitable gifts from potentially taxable Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funds. Congress is allowing these individuals with traditional or Roth IRAs to make tax-free gifts directly to qualified charities. Donors may choose to make charitable distributions from their IRA in any amount up to $100,000 each year for 2008 and 2009. A couple with separate IRAs could each give up to that amount.

Individuals who are required to take unneeded IRA withdrawals, and others who have experienced limitations on tax benefits in the past, will find the new law of particular interest.

Check with your advisors about the best ways to take advantage of this giving opportunity. Keep in mind that everyone's circumstances are different, and state as well as federal tax laws may affect your plans. As always, we will be pleased to assist you in any way possible.

Three Great, and Easy Ways to Support Kennedy Charter Public School

With your help, KCPS will receive cash or valuable educational materials through its participation in the following programs. Your support will be greatly appreciated.