Creative Ways to Give: Beyond Cash

Did you know giving is good for your health? 

Not only does giving release endorphins in the brain, which makes you feel happier and more connected, but studies have shown that it reduces stress and helps you live longer. So, it’s a win-win situation. 

When considering giving, the most obvious way is by clicking our “Donate Now” online or sending in a check, but there are some unique ways to donate that are just as (and sometimes more) impactful!

If giving isn’t in your financial plans at the moment, or you don’t know how to increase the value of your gift without increasing the actual value of your gift, you can still support St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho with these creative ways to give:

1. Give Through Investments

Donate from Your IRA

  • Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): If you are 70½ or older, you can make a direct transfer from your IRA to Habitat. You won’t pay income taxes on the transfer, and you don’t need to itemize deductions to benefit.

  • Required Minimum Distribution (RMD): If you’re 73 or older, your QCD can count toward your required minimum distribution—allowing you to meet your obligation while making a meaningful impact.

  • Annual Limit: You can give up to $108,000 per year directly to qualified charities through a QCD.

  • Additional Benefits:

    • Your gift reduces taxable income, which may lower Medicare premiums and the portion of Social Security subject to tax.

    • You can see your gift at work immediately, knowing you’ve made a difference.

  • Legacy Giving: At any age, you can name SVdP SW Idaho as a beneficiary of your IRA. This designation passes tax-free and is simple to set up with your plan administrator.

Donate Stock

Donating appreciated stock has become a popular way to give—and for good reason:

  • Receive the same income tax deduction as a cash gift.

  • Avoid paying capital gains tax (which can be as high as 20%) on the appreciated value of your stock.

  • Stretch your giving impact while reducing your tax liability.

Give Through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

A Donor Advised Fund is like a charitable investment account, designed for giving:

  • You can contribute cash, stock, retirement assets, real estate, or other appreciated property.

  • Contributions are tax-deductible in the year you make them, even if you grant funds to SVDP later.

  • If you already have a DAF, you can recommend a grant today to support SVdP’s mission and see your generosity at work locally.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to beth.bishop@svdpid.org

2. Leave a Lasting Legacy

Your generosity can continue beyond your lifetime, ensuring that neighbors in need receive compassion, dignity, and hope for years to come.

Property & Real Estate

A gift of property—such as a home, farmland, rental property, or vacant land—can provide a transformational impact on our programs. By donating real estate, you may:

  • Receive an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the property.

  • Avoid capital gains tax that would be due if you sold the property.

  • Free yourself and your family from the responsibility of managing or selling the property.

Your gift of real estate can be made outright, placed in a trust, or designated in your will—allowing you to turn a long-held asset into lasting good for your community.

Vehicle Donations

Cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and even boats can all be donated to St. Vincent de Paul. And it doesn’t have to be your daily driver—your gift could be:

  • Your old car that’s been replaced by something newer.

  • Your really old car—think classic car that hasn’t left the garage in 15 years.

  • Or even a vehicle you no longer have the time or resources to maintain.

We make the process simple:

  • We’ll help with the paperwork and logistics.

  • You may qualify for a tax deduction equal to the selling price or fair market value of your vehicle.

  • Your vehicle becomes fuel for change—transforming from transportation into hope for families right here in Southwest Idaho.

Include SVdP in Your Will or Trust

A bequest is one of the simplest ways to leave a legacy. By naming St. Vincent de Paul SW Idaho in your will or living trust, you can:

  • Leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset.

  • Make your legacy flexible—you can change your mind at any time if your circumstances change.

  • Know that your values of compassion, service, and justice will live on through our mission.

With just a few sentences added to your estate plans, you can ensure that your life’s work continues to bring hope and help to thousands of neighbors in need for generations to come.

3. Company Matching

Many companies in the Treasure Valley match employee donations—and sometimes even volunteer hours—at 1:1 or higher. That means your generosity could be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled, multiplying your impact for neighbors in need.

Why It Matters?

On average, workplace giving brings in about $5 billion each year—but an estimated $4–$7 billion worth of matching funds go unclaimed, according to America’s Charities. Don’t let that opportunity slip away!

Many employers set year-end deadlines for submitting matching gifts, so acting early can make a big difference. With just a few simple steps, you can stretch your gift further and reach more families across Southwest Idaho.

Local Examples

Some Treasure Valley companies that offer employee matching include:

  • Blue Cross of Idaho

  • Boise Cascade

  • Micron

These are just a few examples—many more companies in Idaho participate in matching gift programs.

What You Can Do

  1. Check with your HR or corporate giving portal to see if your employer offers matching gifts.

  2. Submit your donation to St. Vincent de Paul SW Idaho.

  3. Complete your employer’s matching gift form or online submission—and voilà, your initial gift can go twice as far (or more!).

4. Donate Goods

Please consider donating your gently used clothing, furniture, and household items to St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho. Your generosity makes it possible for us to assist neighbors in need by providing essentials like clothing, furniture, and household goods at low or no cost. In addition, every item sold in our thrift stores helps fund critical programs and services—such as food pantries, housing assistance, and reentry support—that transform lives across Southwest Idaho.

How Your Donations Help

  • Provide dignity and relief: Families in crisis often receive vouchers for clothing, furniture, and household goods at no cost.

  • Support community programs: Store sales directly fund services that prevent homelessness, feed families, and support second chances.

  • Extend the life of goods: Items you no longer need are given a second life, reducing waste and strengthening our community.

Please review the accepted items list before scheduling a pick-up.

5. Give Your Time

Not all gifts come in the form of dollars—your time is just as valuable. By volunteering, you become a vital part of St. Vincent de Paul’s mission to serve our neighbors in need.

From sorting donations in our thrift stores to distributing food at our pantries or assisting with reentry pickups, your time is a gift of compassion and dignity. You can also make a lasting impact by joining one of our Conferences, where members meet directly with neighbors through home visits and personalized support.

Every hour you share strengthens our community and helps transform lives.

Click here to get involved.