Friends of the Ohio Union who wish to make a contribution should consider the following gift options:

Cash
Cash is often the most convenient form of giving. Cash gifts are fully deductible for federal income tax purposes, provided deductions are itemized.

Pledges
Pledges enable a donor to plan a personal giving program that is both convenient and tax-wise. A pledge may enable a donor to consider a more significant gift than would have been otherwise possible. Terms for payment on pledges are flexible and at the option of the donor.

Securities
Securities may be made as outright gifts or as a payment on a pledge. Stock certificates may be reassigned directly to The Ohio State University Foundation or may be transferred through the donor's broker. The mean market value on the date of the transfer will determine the value of the gift for tax purposes. Gifts of appreciated securities may be tax deductible, up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. The deduction is based on the full fair market value, and capital gains tax is not due when the stock is transferred to the university.

Planned Gifts
In certain instances, it may be preferable from an estate, financial and tax planning perspective to consider long-term planned giving as the best way to make a gift. This can be accomplished through various gift instruments, such as charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, charitable lead trusts, and bequests.