The foundation seeks the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts where appropriate. These matters include gifts requiring the foundation to assume a contractual obligation, documents naming the foundation as Trustee, any transaction with potential conflict of interest, or any other actions that may invoke IRS sanctions and other instances as deemed appropriate. All prospective donors are strongly urged to seek the assistance of personal legal and financial advisers in matters relating to their gifts and the resulting tax and estate planning consequences.

The Thomas County Community Foundation strives to maintain the highest ethical standards in the conduct of the foundation's affairs and the operation of its charitable giving programs, as well as in all of its policies and procedures, and to avoid any conflicts of interest. All persons with a relationship with the TCCF shall act in good faith and participate in positive engagements. no person shall accept any favor, gratuity, or gift from which might influence actions concerning the foundation. Responsibility for the interpretation and implementation of the conflict of interest policy resides with the foundation's Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

The Thomas County Community Foundation will accepts gifts for specific programs and purposes as well as unrestricted gifts, provided that such gifts are consistent with the TCCF's stated mission, purposes, and priorities. The foundation will not accept gifts that are too restrictive in purpose. Gifts that are too restrictive are those that violate the terms of the corporate charter, gifts that are too difficult to administer or gifts that are for purpose outside the mission of the foundation. The Board of Directors or their designated committee shall make all final decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift.

The following gifts are generally acceptable:

• Cash

• Securities

• Bequests

• Life Insurance

• Oil, Gas and Mineral Interests

• Charitable Gift Annuities

• Tangible Personal Property and Real Estate

• Remainter Interests in Property

• Charitable Remainder Trusts

• Charitable Lead Trusts

• Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations

• Life Insurance Beneficiary Designations

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CHARITABLE INSTRUMENTS

• Outright Gift. You can make a gift of cash, stocks, bonds, real estate or other assets to your community foundation. Your charitable gift qualifies for tax advantage under federal law.

• Bequest by Will. You can designate a gift or portion of your estate to your community foundation and, in some cases, receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes.

• Charitable Gift Annuity. You can make a gift of cash or property to your community foundation now, get immediate tax benefits, and ensure that you or a loved one receive fixed quarterly or annual income payment for life.

• Charitable Remainder Trust.  You can place cash or property in a trust that pays annual income to you (or another named beneficiary) for life. After your death, the reminder of the trust transfers to your community foundation and is placed into a charitable fund you have selected. You receive income tax benefits the year you establish your trust.

• Charitable Lead Trust. You can place cash or property into a trust that pays a fixed amount to your community foundation for the number of years you select. Once this period ends, the assets held by the trust are transferred to the beneficiaries you name. In some cases, you receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes.

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GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE

Making a charitable gift of real estate through your community foundation can help you turn your property gains into community good. The value of your real estate may exceed that of any other asset you own. With the help of your community foundation, you can use it to fulfill your charitable interests and receive financial and tax benefits.

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A gift of real estate releases potential that has been tied up for years, enables you to make a bigger charitable difference that you may have thought possible, helps you avoid estate taxes, and minimizes or eliminates burden placed on your heirs. Charitable gifts of real estate range from personal residences and vacation homes to rental properties, farmland and commercially developed land.

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You may choose to give real estate outright and receive an immediate tax deduction or retain the use of the property during your lifetime and make a planned gift to the Thomas County Community Foundation. You may also choose to convert real estate into a stream of income for the rest of your life by establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust or Charitable Gift Annuity with the Thomas County Community Foundation. Doing this lets you transform a low-yield asset into a higher-yield, income-producing asset and claim a tax deduction for the charitable portion of the gift.

The costs associated with appraisals, environmental studies, title searches and other expenses associated with gifts made to the Thomas County Community Foundation shall be the responsibility of the donor or be met from the donated fund.