Making an Impact with Cash Gifts and/or Long-Term Appreciated Securities

Support Williams College with a gift that aligns with your financial goals and maximizes tax benefits. Both cash gifts and gifts of long-term appreciated securities offer flexible, tax-efficient ways to contribute to our mission.

Option 1: Cash Gift

A cash gift is a simple and direct way to support Williams College and make an immediate difference. Cash gifts provide valuable flexibility, allowing us to put your support to work right away.

• Immediate Tax Deduction: In the year of your gift, you may claim an income tax charitable deduction for the full amount of your gift, subject to IRS limitations. You can carry forward any unused deduction for up to five additional years.
• Ease and Flexibility: You can make a cash gift as a one-time donation or set up recurring contributions to sustain ongoing support.
• Direct, Immediate Impact: Your cash gift provides essential funding that allows Williams College to meet its most pressing needs.

Option 2: Gift of Long-Term Appreciated Securities

Donating long-term appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, can provide significant tax advantages. Gifts of these assets can help you avoid capital gains taxes while supporting Williams College with a gift that costs you less.

• Avoid Capital Gains Taxes: When you donate appreciated securities, you can avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation, which can significantly reduce the cost of your gift.
• Fair Market Value Deduction: As long as you have held your securities for more than one year, you may take a charitable deduction for their fair market value at the time of your gift, subject to IRS limitations. You may carry forward any unused deduction for up to five additional years.
• Enhanced Impact: By donating securities directly, your gift can be larger than if you sold the securities and donated the after-tax proceeds, maximizing your impact on Williams College’s mission.

How to Make a Gift

• For Cash Gifts: You can donate online, by check, or set up a recurring gift through our website to provide ongoing support.
• For Gifts of Securities: Contact your broker to arrange a transfer of appreciated securities directly to Williams College. Please let us know about your planned gift so we can assist with the transfer.

Consult with Your Advisors

We encourage you to speak with your financial and tax advisors before making a gift. Both cash gifts and gifts of appreciated securities offer unique advantages, allowing you to support Williams College in a way that aligns with your financial and philanthropic goals.

Thank you for considering a generous gift to help sustain Williams College.