Forms of Giving

If you wish your gift to benefit the department, any legal documents or instructions should specify that the gift is for the Department of Chemistry at Mississippi State University.

Cash. Checks should be made payable to the Mississippi State University Foundation, with a notation designating the name of the fund. Gifts to memorial funds should be made payable to the specific fund. Contributions may also be made with your Visa or MasterCard credit card, via the Online Giving to Chemistry webpage.

Securities. In most cases, gifts of appreciated securities may be deducted at full market value as of the date you make the gift, and the donor does not have to pay capital gains taxes. Gifts of stock are most easily handled by the Mississippi State University Foundation. You or your broker may contact us for further information. Stock can often be transferred electronically. If you wish to give a gift of depreciated stock, you should first sell it and give the proceeds to the foundation. You can then use the loss to offset any gains and also claim a charitable deduction. Please see the MSU Foundation website for more information about donation of stocks or bonds.

Real Estate. Gifts of real property may be deeded to Mississippi State University for the benefit of the Department of Chemistry, providing significant tax advantages to the donor in most cases. It is also possible to deed a home or farm to the University and continue to occupy it for life. Please see the MSU Foundation website for further information about gifts of real estate.

Gifts that Provide Income. A number of options are available by which you may transfer assets to a trustee (either the University or a trustee of your choosing) and receive income for yourself and/or a designated beneficiary, as well as immediate tax benefits. The Department of Chemistry ultimately receives the trust property. Please see the MSU Foundation website for more information about gift plans that enable the donor (or other beneficiary) to receive income for life or a term of years.

Estate Gifts. A fixed amount or a percentage of your estate's assets (such as securities, cash, real estate, or insurance policies) may be designated for the benefit of the Department of Chemistry in your will or living trust. Please see the MSU Foundation website for more information about options for estate planning.