Ways of Giving     New Vision Outreach Ministry of Hampton Roads is a  non-profit organization that receives no government funding.    All money is raised by private donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others. •   Income taxes can be reduced by choosing the most advantageous type of property, timing, and method of giving. •   Following are brief descriptions of some of the methods most widely employed.   • Gifts of Cash –Gifts of cash or unappreciated property are deductible up to 50% of an individual’s adjusted gross income; gifts of appreciated securities or other appreciated property are deductible up to 30% of adjusted gross income.  If your charitable contributions exceed the maximum allowable for a given year, the excess can be carried forward and deducted in the five succeeding tax years.   Gifts of Materials (In-kind Gifts) –If you make a contribution of computers, school supplies, classroom space, etc., a contribution deduction may be taken for the amount the donor has paid to acquire the items.  This may or may not be the fair market value if you were to sell, rather than donate, the materials.     • Gifts of Appreciated Property –If you make a direct gift of securities, real estate, or other property which has been held for more than 18 months and has increased in value since acquisition, there will be no tax on the capital gain, yet the gift is deductible for its full fair market value, subject to the ceiling of 30% of adjusted gross income (and with the five year carryover privilege for any part of the gift which exceeds the ceiling). •   Gifts of Life Insurance –If a life insurance policy is no longer needed for its original purpose, you may wish to name New Vision Outreach Ministry of Hampton Roads as its owner and sole beneficiary.  The individual is entitled to an income tax deduction approximating the policy’s cash surrender value; any future premium payments made on the policy are deductible as charitable contributions.