Gifts of Real Estate

A current, outright donation of real estate would allow your gift to make a difference at the Rhode Island College Alumni and Foundation now and could generate significant tax savings. Leaving real estate to the RIC Alumni & Foundation through your will or living trust is an efficient way to make a meaningful gift in the future without impacting your current lifestyle.

What are the benefits?

  • One of the most flexible charitable giving options available, real estate can be used to make a gift that:
    • Provides an immediate charitable deduction for the fair market value of the property while potentially avoiding capital gains taxes.
    • Gives you income for life and an immediate tax deduction, while leaving the remaining assets to the RIC Alumni & Foundation after your death.
    • Provides the RIC Alumni & Foundation with income for a few years, then is passed on to your heirs at the time you specify with considerable estate and gift tax savings.
    • Qualifies you for a significant immediate tax deduction, allows you to use the property for your lifetime and leaves the property to the RIC Alumni & Foundation at your death.
  • The real cost of your gift is reduced, since you'll save on income and capital gains taxes by giving appreciated property to the RIC Alumni & Foundation.

How does it work?

  • You deed your home, farm, vacation home, undeveloped land or commercial building to the RIC Alumni & Foundation.
  • the RIC Alumni & Foundation sells the property and retains the proceeds.

Planning Tips

  • Gifts of real estate can be made to the RIC Alumni & Foundation by donating the entire property or a partial interest in the property.
  • With all gifts of real estate, the RIC Alumni & Foundation conducts a due diligence evaluation of the property to determine its acceptability with respect to outstanding mortgages, liens and presence of hazardous substances, as well as the marketability of the property.
  • Mortgage-free properties provide you with greater tax benefits than mortgaged properties.
  • To meet IRS requirements, you will need to obtain an appraisal from a qualified appraiser.
  • The exact tax savings depends on the type of gift and your specific situation.

Because gifts of real estate can be complex and legal restrictions may limit the RIC Alumni & Foundation's ability to own or sell a parcel of real estate, we will provide you with a Real Estate Worksheet to support and lead you through our due diligence process. Keep in mind: gifts of real estate require a qualified appraisal and can take time to complete—contact the RIC Alumni & Foundation early in your decision-making process.