There are many different ways one can support the Aphasia Center of California. Donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations allow the Aphasia Center of California to continue providing innovative and effective treatment, support, and information for all those affected by aphasia.

The simplest way to donate to the Aphasia Center of California is with cash or marketable securities. Cash gifts may be fully deducted for federal income tax purposes. The deduction for cash gifts may not exceed 50% of your adjusted gross income in one year. Contributions above that limit may be carried forward and deducted for up to five years following the year of the gift. You can also honor the memory of a loved one or celebrate the accomplishment of a friend or family member by making a memorial or tribute donation to the Aphasia Center of California. When you make a memorial or tribute donation, the Aphasia Center of California sends an acknowledgment card to the family of the honoree.

A memorial is a personal remembrance that honors the life of a friend, relative or colleague with a gift of love and hope.

A tribute provides a meaningful, living gift to a friend, relative, or colleague by honoring a special occasion.

We have arranged a partnership with Donate For Charity to process our vehicle donations. Donate For Charity arranges a free vehicle pickup, handles all the DMV issues, sells the vehicle at auction, and distributes the net proceeds to the Aphasia Center of California. So if it's time to replace an older car, or if you have a boat and trailer that are just taking up space in the garage, consider making a donation. You'll avoid the headache of selling a used vehicle and receive a receipt entitling you to a tax deduction. When you're ready to donate, simply call Donate For Charity toll-free at (866) 392-4483 or donate online

A donation to the Aphasia Center of California can also be made by giving appreciated securities. By giving appreciated securities you avoid the capital gains tax that would be imposed if you sold the securities yourself, and also realize an income tax deduction. Most donors can deduct the full fair-market value of appreciated securities and bonds up to 30% of their adjusted gross income with a five-year carry forward.

Gifts of stock in a closely-held business can be used support the Aphasia Center of California in many situations.

Planned giving provides a range of alternatives to meet the needs of many different types of people. Many financial vehicles are available to help support the treatment of aphasia at the Aphasia Center of California. Planned Giving involves integrating a donor's charitable gift into his or her overall financial, tax, and estate planning objectives so as to maximize benefits to both the donor and the Aphasia Center of California. Planned gifts typically come from a donor's assets rather than income, and can be either outright or deferred. Also, it is highly recommended that donors consult with their own tax or legal advisors prior to making a planned gift.

A bequest is simply a gift made through a Will. Establishing a fund to benefit the Aphasia Center of California through your will is a popular planning technique. Estate taxes can be saved, and the remarkable work of the Aphasia Center of California you care about during your lifetime will be continued in perpetuity through your bequest. A gift to the Aphasia Center of California through your will has several advantages:

• Charitable gifts made through your will are 100 percent deductible for estate tax purpose
• A charitable bequest may place your estate in a lower estate tax bracket If you'd like to make a bequest to the Aphasia Center of California, here is some sample wording that you can use:

"I give, devise, and bequeath to the Aphasia Center of California located in Oakland, CA $__________________."

Through a Charitable Remainder Trust, funds are placed naming the Aphasia Center of California as the beneficiary of the trust. You and any named beneficiaries receive income from the trust during your lifetime as well as income and estate tax benefits. Upon maturity, the remaining funds in the trust are used to establish a fund in your name at the Aphasia Center of California creating a permanent legacy for you and your family.

Through a Charitable Lead Trust, funds are placed in trust for a specified number of years. Income from the trust is used to establish a fund at the Aphasia Center of California. When the trust expires, the funds remaining in the trust are returned to your designated beneficiaries. Substantial tax savings for your heirs result from the years of annual charitable gifts made from the trust's income.

Please note that this is not legal advice. Any prospective donor should seek the advice of a qualified estate and/or tax professional to determine the consequence of his or her gift.