When it comes to making donations, most people likely think in terms of donating food and supplies or simply writing a check. There are many other ways, though, you can put your assets to work for the causes you care about in your community. We categorize charitable gifts into three groups depending on whether you wish to give now or later: 

• Outright Gifts are transfers of cash, real estate, securities or other assets.
• Testamentary Gifts are gifts planned through a last will and testament. A gift by will can name a specific property, a certain cash amount or a percentage of an estate.
• Life Income Gifts are immediate gifts that provide you with a lifetime income. Life Income Gift plans, including charitable trusts and charitable gift annuities, can provide attractive tax advantages and increase your retirement income.