Would you like to finish this year with a gift that makes a difference for Bates while also reducing your taxes? Here are some opportunities you may want to consider.

Make a gift to the Bates Fund

Gifts to the Bates Fund and the Bates Parents Fund support every aspect of the Bates experience for today’s students and may receive a federal income tax charitable deduction. If you itemize, you can write off the amount you’re donating, resulting in lower taxable income. Unsure of whether your gift is tax-deductible? Contact your financial advisor or tax consultant.

In addition to making a gift by check or a secure online gift via credit card, there are a number of creative and tax-wise options that might be right for you, particularly with the change in tax laws coming in 2026

Use Appreciated Securities

For securities held longer than one year, you may be able to deduct the full fair market value and avoid capital gains tax. Learn more about how to get started.

A tip about timing: If the securities are electronically transferred to us, the gift date is the day the securities enter our account—not the date you ask your broker to make the transfer.

Make a gift from your donor-advised fund (DAF)

DAF giving to Bates is easier than ever. You can make a DAF gift right on our giving page in just three clicks. 

If you prefer to use your DAF’s portal, select “President & Trustees of Bates College” as the recipient (tax ID 01-0211781). For gifts made via your DAF portal, we always suggest emailing us at gifts@bates.edu with your name and any designation preference, just in case that information doesn’t come through on the transfer. 

Make a Gift From Your IRA

At 70 1⁄2 or older, individuals can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution of up to $108,000 from their IRAs. The direct distribution to charity would not be included in taxable income, lowering your tax liability even if you do not itemize. If you are required to take minimum distributions, you can use your gift to satisfy that requirement. 

A tip about timing: Your IRA administrator must remove the funds from your account by Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year. If you have check-writing features on your IRA, your check must clear your account by Dec. 31 to count toward your required minimum distribution for the calendar year.

Beyond annual support: Make a gift that pays a fixed income for life

You can use cash or securities to fund a charitable gift annuity. In return, Bates pays you a fixed amount for life. You receive a charitable deduction for a portion of the gift, and part of the annuity payments are tax-free. Additionally, if appreciated stock is used to fund the charitable gift annuity, capital gains tax can be reduced. 

A tip about timing: Please contact the Office of Gift Planning by December 22 so we can show you an illustration of how this kind of gift can be tailored to your goals and arrange for the annuity before year end.   

Visit the Bates Ways to Give website and talk to your financial advisor about how these tax provisions may affect your giving. Thank you for your support and friendship and for being such an important part of our Bates community.

If you have questions or would like to speak with a member of our staff, please contact the Bates Office of Gift Planning at 800-762-3145 or giftplanning@bates.edu.

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.