When donors support causes they care about, they often give cash. However, giving cash may not always be the most effective option. For example, did you know you can maximize your giving potential by donating appreciated assets like stock or real estate?

By taking advantage of available tax incentives, you can stretch your impact even further—helping to support residents at SSF while managing your financial resources wisely. To assist you, we provide guidance on a variety of non-cash giving options. It’s our way of helping you make the biggest difference possible for the students we serve.

Ways to Give

Stock Gifts

Gifts of appreciated stock and securities are a cost-effective and tax-friendly way to donate and support residents at Southern Scholarship Foundation. You may be eligible for a tax deduction based on their full fair-market-value and avoid paying the capital gains tax.

Making a gift of stock is easy. Simply contact contact your broker and provide them with the following information: 

Account Name: Southern Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

Name of Broker: Merrill Lynch

Account: 71984018

DTC Number: 8862

Tax ID: 59-0939481

When your stock or mutual funds are transferred to our account, we do not receive any information that identifies you as the donor. To ensure your gift is properly received and acknowledged, please contact Lisa Heil at lheil@southernscholarship.org or call 850-222-3833 either before or after donating securities and provide the following information about the gift:

Name of the stock
Number of shares
Your name and address

IRA Charitable Distribution

Seniors who are 70½ years of age and older can give up to $100,000 a year directly from your IRA to Southern Scholarship Foundation. These tax-free gifts are known as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), can be made regardless of whether you itemize deductions on your tax return and may lower your taxable income. For those who take a Required Minimum Distribution, QCDs are a great way to reduce tax liability while supporting our mission.

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Donor-Advised Fund

Maximize your impact and simplify your charitable giving by using a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). A DAF allows you to combine the most favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to support Southern Scholarship Foundation on your schedule. By recommending a grant to SSF through your DAF sponsor, you can help provide transformative educational opportunities and rent-free housing for SSF residents.

Giving through a DAF is easy and convenient. Simply contact your DAF sponsor, recommend a grant to the Southern Scholarship Foundation, and specify the amount you wish to contribute.

Endowed Gifts

The basic plan underlying an endowed fund is simple—the principal of the fund is never spent.

The principal is invested, and the earnings are used to fulfill the purpose(s) for which the fund was created. Funds may be created for student support, maintenance and repairs or customized for a specific need or SSF house.

Endowments can be established in the donor’s name, the name of their business, or in honor of someone important to the donor. The minimum amount required to create an endowment is $25,000 with up to five years to reach the Endowment minimum.

Planned Giving For The Future

Meet your philanthropic goals through your commitment to the mission of Southern Scholarship Foundation.

It’s simple to leave a legacy by naming Southern Scholarship Foundation as a beneficiary in your financial accounts, will, or trust. Designating SSF in your retirement plan, life insurance, endowment, or other planning mechanism allows your gift to support future residents while maximizing tax benefits. Naming SSF as the beneficiary of tax-deferred retirement accounts is especially impactful, as SSF can receive the funds in a tax-free environment, ensuring your generosity continues to make a difference for years to come.

 

Any bequests to Southern Scholarship Foundation should be worded as follows:

 

I give, bequeath, and devise to Southern Scholarship Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Florida and located in Tallahassee, Florida, or its successor organization, _______ percent (%) of my estate OR the sum of $____________ OR all my right, title, and interest in the following described property: _______ OR all rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, to be used for the following purposes: ____________________.


If you’ve already included SSF in your estate plans, please let us know. Knowing about your gift helps us plan for the future, ensures we honor your commitment and intent, and gives us the opportunity to properly thank you for your generosity.

Employer Matching Gifts

Double or triple your gift to Southern Scholarship Foundation! If you or your spouse works for a company that offers a matching gift program, you can ask your company to match that donation.

Matching gift FAQs

What is a matching gift?

Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs. Employer matching gift programs are a great way for employees to double or even triple their charitable contributions!

How do I request a matching gift?

After you have donated to SSF, contact your Human Resources representative at your employer and they will provide you with a matching gift form or link to submit your request online.

I am the donor, but my spouse's employer offers a matching gift program. May I submit the matching gift request through their employer even though I made the donation?

Yes! You may be able to apply for an additional match to your gift through the matching gift program of your spouse’s employer.

Annual Giving

Support the next generation of the #SSFfamily with sustained commitment to Southern Scholarship Foundation.

Annual gifts offer an opportunity for the #SSFfamily to give back and support Southern Scholarship Foundation’s mission to provide rent-free housing and cooperative living to 470 college students each year. Through annual gifts, you may choose to designate your support towards specific houses, student scholarships, maintenance initiatives, a determined area of need, and more.

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Alumni Legacy Fund

Southern Scholarship Foundation and Alumni set a goal to raise $100,000 for 10 years in anticipation of the 75th anniversary, raising $1,000,000 by 2030. In 2021 and 2022, SSF alumni and friends exceeded the $100,000 goal. In 2023, with close to 10,000 SSF alumni over 67 years, SSF can reach this goal again!

Where does your dollar go?

Your gift will support initiatives such as:

  • Leadership training for SSF House Managers and Ambassadors
  • House repairs, maintenance, and painting
  • Replacing flooring, furniture, and roofs
  • Mental health counseling services for residents
  • Community building activities and socials

Give to the 2024 Alumni Legacy Fund Campaign today!

Give Now

Director of Development Lisa Heil is available to assist with information on donating and engaging with SSF.

Contact Lisa at lheil@southernscholarship.org.

 

Federal tax ID number: 59-0939481

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. 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.