Gifts of Farm Interests: Cultivating Futures Through Generosity

Donating farm interests, such as land, grain, machinery, livestock, or even your entire farm, is a meaningful way to support Utah Valley University (UVU) while gaining valuable financial benefits. If your farm has appreciated in value or no longer serves its original purpose, this type of gift can help you leave a lasting legacy.

Why Give?

Your gift helps UVU students, many from hardworking families, access higher education, gain career-ready skills, and contribute to Utah’s growing workforce. You are not just giving assets. You are planting seeds of opportunity that will grow for generations.

Benefits to You:

• Avoid capital gains taxes on the sale of appreciated farm assets
• Receive a charitable income tax deduction
• Create lifetime income if your gift is used to fund a planned gift, such as a charitable remainder trust
• Simplify your estate planning while making a lasting impact

Benefits to UVU:

• Support scholarships, hands-on learning, and academic programs that prepare students for meaningful careers
• Strengthen Utah’s workforce and economy by investing in education
• Inspire students and their families, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college

Ways to Give:

• Outright Gift of Land or Farm Assets
  You can donate all or a portion of your farm assets, including land, equipment, or livestock. These gifts may provide significant tax benefits and help UVU expand educational opportunities.
• Charitable Life Estate
  If you wish to continue using your farm or land during your lifetime, a charitable life estate may be a good option. This arrangement allows you to retain the right to live on and use the property for the rest of your life. After your lifetime, the property passes to UVU, supporting students and programs in a way that reflects your values.
• Charitable Remainder Trust (CRUT)
  For donors seeking both income and impact, placing appreciated farmland into a charitable remainder trust allows you to receive income for life or a set number of years. You also receive a charitable deduction, and after the trust term ends, the remaining value supports UVU students, academic programs, and initiatives.

Gift Acceptance Considerations

UVU welcomes gifts that can be used directly or sold to support its mission. All gifts-in-kind are subject to review by the university's Gift Acceptance Committee. UVU does not hold farm assets long-term, so gifts must be marketable and convertible to cash. Whether a gift can be accepted will depend on the university’s gift acceptance policies and the ability to sell the asset.

Helpful Information for Your Planning

• Mortgaged Property
  If your farm has existing debt, it could affect both the tax benefits and UVU’s ability to accept the gift. We strongly recommend involving your financial advisor and a qualified real estate professional early in the process to help evaluate your options.
• Complex Assets
  Some types of property may pose challenges. UVU has policies in place to guide acceptance, but navigating these gifts often requires specialized knowledge. Please work with your financial advisor or estate planning professional and connect with us early to ensure a smooth process.
• Capital Gains Considerations
  Because each individual’s situation is unique, we encourage you to consult with your financial advisor or tax professional to explore the potential tax implications and any life income options that may be available.

Disclaimer

UVU does not offer financial, legal, or tax advice. We encourage you to consult with your legal and tax advisors to determine the approach that best fits your goals.

Contact us

If you have any questions about gifts of farm interests, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you and answer your questions.