There are so many ways to invest in the future of Howard Community College and its students.  No matter how you choose to make your mark, everyone benefits.

Cash Donations   Many people prefer this simple and convenient way of giving, as it benefits the college immediately.  Unrestricted gifts may be applied where funds are needed most.  Restricted gifts support a specific program or division of the college. Provisions for automatic payments are available.

Pledges   The foundation is happy to provide you with a pledge form whereby you can specify the area of the college you want to support.  You can also offer an unrestricted gift so that the areas of immediate need will receive your support.

Securities   Donors may opt to take advantage of a gift of stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares. Please contact Missy Mattey at 410-772-4450.

Planned/Deferred Gifts   Planned giving is a commitment made in the present to benefit the future.  It empowers you to make a significant impact without committing cash upfront; in essence, this method of giving is a unique way to combine philanthropy with your financial goals.  Plus it just makes good financial sense.  It is proactive, which makes for good stewardship and provides a ready answer to those who seek you out for donations.  Some people think planned giving is only for the very rich or for those in the later stages of life.  In truth, planned giving should be arranged earlier rather than later to provide maximum benefits to you as a donor.  Consult the links provided here, or contact your financial planner, estate attorney, or us at 410-772-4450.

• Bequests
• Charitable lead trusts
• Charitable remainder trusts
• Gifts of life insurance
• Gifts of savings bonds
• Gifts of retirement assets

Matching Gifts   You can easily multiply the power of your gift if you or your spouse works for a company with a matching gift program.  Please contact your human resources office or foundation to find out how simple a matching gift program can be.

In-Kind Gifts   An in-kind gift—an item either of direct benefit to the college or easily salable—such as real estate, equipment, artwork, books, software, and other tangible personal property, will be gratefully accepted for its appraised value.

• Under $500:  the donor’s estimate is acceptable
• Between $500 and $5,000:  an internal “expert” will assign value (donor must file Form 8283 with tax return for gifts value $500 and above)
• Over $5,000:  an independent qualified appraiser must sign the form or provide the information on letterhead (cost of evaluation is incurred by the donor)

Life Estate Contracts   By making an outright gift of real estate, you can avoid capital gains tax and qualify for a personal tax deduction.  You can even make a gift of real estate and still live in the residence through a retained life estate agreement.

American Express Giving Express Program Giving has never been so easy or rewarding. Give to the HCC Educational Foundation by donating with your American Express Card. Donations can be made in dollars or Membership Rewards® points. Your dollar donation is tax deductible and you will receive an e-mail receipt that meets IRS requirements as a record of your contribution. The site also enables you to set up recurring donations. Plus, you can earn one Membership Rewards point for virtually every dollar you donate on an eligible, enrolled Card.

Visit www.americanexpress.com/give for more information. To be eligible to earn bonus points, you must be enrolled in the Membership Rewards program at the time of the donation and must charge your purchase on an eligible, enrolled American Express® Card. Terms and conditions of the Membership Rewards program apply. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/rewards. Donation of Membership Rewards points are not tax deductible.

See How Your Giving to HCC Strengthens our College and Community