Gifts of Grain: Making An Impact, Forever

Giving in a way that makes the most sense to you is important. Whether it’s through cash, appreciated assets, IRA gifts, real estate, Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs), estate gifts, or gifts of grain, each can leave a lasting legacy in your community.

Farmers in Kosciusko County have a unique opportunity to support their community through the Community Foundation by donating grain. Gifts of grain can be directed to any fund at the Community Foundation, including a fund you start. Check out the current fund list HERE.

How It Works

1. When you deliver grain to your elevator, let them know you are making a gift of grain and how much you would like to set aside.
2. The grain you give to the Community Foundation will be sold according to the Community Foundation’s instructions.
3. You will receive a tax receipt from the Community Foundation for the grain you donated. Unless you specify otherwise, all proceeds will go to the Ag Cares Fund, which supports local food, youth, and ag-related programs. Learn more about the Ag Cares Fund HERE.

Participating Elevators
CereServ | Clunette Elevator | Creighton Brothers | Deatsman Grain Farms | Louis Dreyfus | Mentone Grain & Feed

Why a Gift of Grain?
Cash-method farm operators have a unique opportunity to make an “above the line” charitable contribution, which is readily marketable by the charitable recipient.

As an example, Bob, a cash method farmer, normally reports Schedule F farm income of about $50,000 on his joint return. Sue, his spouse, has wages of $50,000. Bob and Sue both contribute about $5,000 annually to charity, but have not itemized deductions in many years because their only Schedule A. A deduction is state income tax paid. This year, Bob and Sue contributed $5,000 of unsold grain to the Community Foundation, rather than selling the grain and contributing cash. The Foundation subsequently sold the grain for $5,000.

As a result of their contribution, they save over $2,000 in federal, self-employment, state, and county income taxes.

Consider a discussion with your tax advisor to see if this makes sense for you.