Giving to the Balloon Federation of America

From an Annual Fund gift to a bequest, there are many ways to make a gift to the Balloon Federation of America that best fits your individual circumstances. Some planned gifts can provide income for life to the beneficiary you name, and some allow you to unlock the income potential from a low-yielding asset. Most planned gifts receive favorable tax treatment, and all give you the satisfaction of investing in the Balloon Federation of America’s future.

Basic categories of gifts to the Balloon Federation of America

- Cash

Cash gifts, the easiest way to give, offer a tax deduction for the full amount of the gift in the year it is made. We thank you in advance for sending your gift of cash or check, made payable to the Balloon Federation of America, to:

Balloon Federation of America
PO Box 400
Indianola Iowa  50125
515-961-8809

- Credit Card

Credit card gifts have become a quick and easy way to give. The Balloon Federation of America accepts American Express, VISA, MasterCard and Discover. If you would like to make a gift with your credit card, please call the Office at 515-961-8809.

- Matching Gifts

You can double or triple the impact of your gift to the Balloon Federation of America. More than 15,000 companies sponsor matching gift programs to support education for employees and their families. Many companies will also match the contributions of their retired employees and spouses of employees. 

Find out if your employer has a matching gift program. 

- Recurring Gift Program

A recurring gift is an ongoing, specific gift amount determined by a donor that is charged monthly to a donor's credit card. Your recurring gifts will be a dependable source of support that the Balloon Federation of America can count on throughout the year.

- IRA Charitable Rollover

The IRA Charitable Rollover Provision allows individuals who have reached 70 ½ to donate up to $100,000 to charitable organizations directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA), without treating the distribution as taxable income. This provision had expired on January 1, 2015, but was reinstated and made permanent.

- Tribute and Memorial Gifts

In moments of joy, celebration, sadness or gratitude, we often look for ways to honor or remember a special person in our lives. The Balloon Federation of America welcomes gifts made in tribute or memory of individuals whether that person is a family member or friend.

A tribute or memorial gift can be made in honor of your special person at any time and in any amount.

- Appreciated Securities

Giving appreciated securities is a convenient way to support the Balloon Federation of America while gaining tax advantages. You will receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock on the date of the gift, provided you have owned the securities for more than 12 months. Most donors avoid liability for capital gains tax otherwise due on the sale of securities.

How to Give Securities

When the security is held by your broker or commercial banker:
Notify your broker that you want to give securities to the Balloon Federation of America and send a letter to the broker and the Balloon Federation of America Office, and also include the amount of shares, the name(s) of the stock(s), and state your intention for the gift. In the letter, direct your broker to transfer your gift into the BFA’s account.

When the security is in your name and in your possession:

1. You must obtain the stock/bond power from your broker or banker.
2. You must also obtain a Release form.
3. Sign the stock/bond power and the Release form and have your signature notarized. Sign exactly as your name appears on the stock certificate. If the security is jointly owned, both owners must sign the stock/bond power.
4. Mail the signed stock power and Release forms in a separate envelope to the BFA Office along with a copy of your letter of transmittal.
5. Mail unendorsed certificates by first class or registered mail with a letter of transmittal to the Balloon Federation of America.
6. If the certificates are already endorsed, send them by insured mail or deliver them in person to the Balloon Federation of America Office.

Valuation of Your Securities

The gift value of securities is the mean of the high and low prices on the date that the securities are transferred by your broker and received in Balloon Federation’s account or hand delivered or mailed (date of the later postmark if not the same) in negotiable form to the BFA.

The ceiling on deductibility of your gift of appreciated securities is 30 percent of gross income. However, usually you may carry forward any excess as a deduction for as many as five years. Please consult your attorney or accountant for further information.

Benefits of a Gift of Long-Term Appreciated SecuritiesExample

Short-term Appreciation

It is usually inadvisable to make a charitable gift of appreciated securities when your capital gain is short term (e.g., you have owned the securities 12 months or less). Such a gift is deductible only on the amount of its cost basis, not its market value.

Depreciated Securities

In general, it is not advisable to donate securities that are currently worth less than you paid for them. If the sale of stocks or bonds would result in a tax-deductible loss, it is usually to your advantage to sell them to establish a tax loss and then donate the proceeds to the BFA.

Closely Held Stock

Making a gift to the Balloon Federation of America of closely held or restricted stock may allow you to gain immediate cash benefits through tax savings. Because closely held or restricted stock requires special handling please contact an attorney or tax advisor.

Gifts of Property

Real Estate

Real estate can be contributed outright or through a life-income gift. You can contribute the entire interest in your property or a fraction of the interest. You can even contribute your personal residence, but continue to reside there for the rest of your life. This gift of a future interest in your home lets you continue to enjoy your home without diminishing your standard of living and while obtaining a substantial current income tax charitable deduction.

This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results