Bob and Carol established a fund that would help purchase needed equipment, supplies, or provide for maintenance. They made an outright gift of some appreciated stock and changed their will to include a bequest that will magnify the fund tenfold.

Carol: "We felt good about helping through establishing a small fund. But we had no idea what the fund would bring to us."

Bob: "Over the years, we have since met with some of the people involved with the equipment our fund helped buy. I can't describe how good it feels to sit with these people, to hear them describe their dreams and ambitions and how we've helped. What a joy to realize that we have become a part of the organization's future and that the people involved with it have become a part of our family."

Carol: "It gives me goosebumps even now as I think about it." 

Setting all the emotional rewards aside, this was a wise financial move. First, there were some immediate tax benefits based not on the cost of the stock, but on it's appreciated value. Second, their estate will benefit by having a write-off to charity through the bequest.

Carol and Bob found their experience enriched their hearts and lives. Often donors are surprised by just how wonderful the giving experience is.

Now click here to meet Joyce.