Beyond the Check: Creative Ways to Give

By Rebecca Hurst, JD, LL.M. in Taxation

Many friends of the Bentonville Library Foundation support the library with generous cash gifts, and that ongoing commitment makes a real difference. But for some donors, there may be other simple and meaningful ways to give that can support the library’s future while also fitting into their broader financial plans.

If you are looking for ways to support the library beyond writing a check, there are several practical options worth knowing about. One option to consider is a gift of appreciated stock. If you own shares that have increased in value over time, donating those shares directly to the Bentonville Library Foundation may be a simple and meaningful way to give. If you own shares that have increased in value over time, donating those shares directly to the Bentonville Library Foundation may be a simple and meaningful way to give. Many donors like this approach because it allows them to support a cause they care about while potentially receiving more beneficial tax treatment than if they sold the stock first and then gave cash – particularly for shares held longer than one year. In practical terms, it can be a way to turn long-term growth in an investment into lasting community impact right here in Bentonville.

Another possibility is giving through a donor-advised fund. These funds are commonly held through community foundations, such as local or regional community foundations, financial institutions and other charitable sponsoring organizations. For supporters who already use one, recommending a grant to the Bentonville Library Foundation can be an easy and flexible way to help. Many people appreciate having their charitable giving organized in one place and then using that fund to support organizations they value over time. If that describes you, a donor-advised fund can make it simple to include the library in your ongoing plans and continue strengthening a local resource that serves readers, families, students, and lifelong learners across the community.

Some donors may also be eligible to give directly from an IRA through a qualified charitable distribution. For those who qualify, this can be a thoughtful and efficient way to support the library while aligning giving with personal financial goals. Although the details depend on each donor’s circumstances, this option is often appealing to people who want to make a direct charitable gift in a straightforward way. Like the other approaches mentioned here, it offers another path for turning personal generosity into support for programs, resources, and opportunities that benefit the whole Bentonville community.

Whatever form a gift takes, the impact reaches far beyond a single transaction. Every contribution helps strengthen the library’s role as a place for learning, connection, and opportunity. The library is where children discover the joy of reading, where students find tools to grow, and where neighbors gather, explore ideas, and stay connected. Supporting the Bentonville Library Foundation helps sustain that work and invest in a shared community resource that serves people at every stage of life.

Because every donor’s situation is different, anyone considering a charitable gift should consult their own tax, legal, and financial advisors before deciding which approach to use. They can help you understand what may be most appropriate for your personal circumstances, goals, and plans.

For those who care about the future of the library, giving beyond the check may be one more way to invest in Bentonville’s shared future. No matter the structure of your gift, your generosity helps ensure that the library remains a welcoming and vibrant part of community life for years to come.