The simplest method of giving is to write a personal check to the Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation, or visit swifoundation.org/donate to give to us online with your credit card. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and help us to empower the people, businesses and organizations in and around the Heron Lake and Okabena communities.

Giving appreciated securities has great tax advantages. You’ll receive an income tax deduction equal to the market value of the stock. And, you avoid capital gains tax.

Commodities can also make a great gift. You deliver the commodities to a local elevator and gift them in Southwest Initiative Foundation’s name (the elevator should contact Southwest Initiative Foundation right away). Your specific tax benefits depend on whether you claim the commodities as part of your income before gifting them.

Farmland can be gifted to us, sold and converted to cash for an immediate charitable impact, or it can be retained in Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Keep It Growing℠ program. This unique program allows Southwest Initiative Foundation to maintain ownership of the land, with the annual rental income passing to the Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation to support our mission.

A provision or bequest in your will allows you to make a substantial contribution without diminishing assets available to you during your lifetime. You simply name Southwest Initiative Foundation, for the benefit of Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation in your will.

Naming us as beneficiary of your retirement plan account(s) avoids income tax. IRA assets often make the best charitable gift because of the significant tax savings that can be accomplished. You simply name Southwest Initiative Foundation, for the benefit of Heron Lake-Okabena Community Foundation using your plan administrator’s beneficiary designation form.

In exchange for a gift of cash or securities, Southwest Initiative Foundation will pay you and/or a loved one a fixed amount annually for the rest of your life. A portion of this income is not taxed, and you also receive a tax deduction for part of your gift. This is a great strategy to save taxes, yet still receive a fixed payment for your lifetime.