When a Gift Isn’t a Check, We Can Still Help

Most charitable gifts are simple: you write a check, click “donate,” or send a stock transfer. But every so often, generosity shows up in a form that’s a little more complex. 

Recently, one of our nonprofit partners, FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic, found themselves in that exact moment. 

A longtime donor and volunteer, Debbie, reached out with a heartfelt idea. She wanted to honor her mother by donating an inherited piece of jewelry, a pin that had been appraised at around $5,000. FACE loved the intent behind the gift, but they faced a practical challenge many nonprofits know well: accepting and converting a non-cash asset into usable dollars can be tricky. It can be hard to appraise, hard to sell, and hard to do in a way that feels responsible and transparent. 

Instead of letting a meaningful gift stall out, FACE did what strong nonprofit partners do: they asked questions and pulled in the right people. 

In this case, it was a true team effort: Debbie has a donor-advised fund at Hamilton County Community Foundation, and FACE’s charitable organization endowment is held at the Indianapolis Foundation. CICF provides philanthropic support to individual fundholders and nonprofit fundholders across CICF, Hamilton County Community Foundation, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Foundation of Indiana. Because our organizations work together in this way, we’re able to make meaningful connections across a larger network of generous people and community partners and help generosity move smoothly to where it’s meant to go. 

Our team connected the dots between the donor, the nonprofit, and the right philanthropic tool. Clark Collier, CICF’s Director of Giving Strategies, stepped in to outline a clear path forward and help everyone understand the options. In plain terms, he talked through what it can look like to donate a non-cash asset like jewelry, including the steps around valuation, required documentation, and how a community foundation can manage liquidation in a way that aligns with gift acceptance policies and IRS rules. 

In this situation, Debbie had the option to contribute the jewelry to her donor-advised fund at HCCF, have it sold, and then recommend a grant that could support FACE through their fund at The Indianapolis Foundation. For the team at FACE, that meant they didn’t need to figure out how to sell a pin or guess what it might bring at auction.  

It also reflected something bigger than one transaction: community foundations serve as a connector, not only between donors and causes, but across the broader philanthropic network that exists in our region. When you combine that connector role with the ability to accept and process certain non-cash assets, you get more “yes” moments for philanthropy. 

For fundholders: if you’ve ever wondered, “Can I give this?” the answer is often “maybe and we can help you find out.” 

For nonprofits: if a donor wants to give something other than cash, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Call us early, and we’ll help explore the best route. 

Because generosity comes in many forms, and our job is to help it reach the community in the way it was intended. 

Note: This story is shared for educational purposes and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Central Indiana Community Foundation does not provide legal or tax advice. Donors should consult their professional advisors regarding their specific situation.