Fully tax-deductible and has an immediate impact upon the program for which the funds are allocated. Checks should be made out to “Santa Margarita Eagle Foundation” and mailed to:

Santa Margarita Eagle Foundation
PO Box 80100
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  92688

These gifts can be made by calling the SM Eagle Foundation at (949) 766-6080 or completing a gift form with the appropriate information. The SM Eagle Foundation accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

A simple and convenient way to make monthly or quarterly payments on a pledge gift. The transfer is set up through a credit card and we charge it whenever you tell us.

Many employers offer a matching gift program to encourage employees, retirees and their family members support of nonprofit organizations. Specific details about your matching gift program can be obtained by reaching out to the SM Eagle Foundation or the HR office at your workplace. Many businesses also run United Way campaigns; you may designate SMCHS as the recipient of your payroll deduction to this campaign. Our Orange County United Way number is #642495.

Donations of technology, equipment, furniture and other items relevant to our educational program and in good condition are welcome. The donor, through appraisal or record of purchase, determines gift value. If the in-kind gift is of direct and immediate use to SMCHS in fulfilling its mission (such as new computer equipment for instructional use); a donor may deduct the full fair market value. A Gifts-In-Kind donation form is required

Click here for the form.

In giving securities to benefit SMCHS that have increased in value since you bought them, not only can you take the current market price as a tax deduction, you owe no income tax or capital gains tax on the increase. This is an excellent time to take advantage of large increases in your securities holdings. Some donors have stocks that have appreciated over time and would rather donate these than cash to the school. These gifts are unique in that the donor can take a federal tax deduction for the full, fair market value of the stock, regardless of how much the donor paid for the stock. No capital gains taxes apply. For more information please call the Advancement Office at (949) 766-6080.

Gifts of appreciated stocks or mutual fund shares provide immediate support to the school. Donors may realize substantial tax savings by transferring appreciated stock or securities to the school prior to the sale. Capital gains on the amount of appreciation may be avoided, and the donors receive a tax deduction based on the fair market value of the stock or property at the time of the gift.

Gifts of real estate including personal residences, vacation homes, commercial properties, farms, and unimproved land may provide exceptional tax benefits for the donors while providing support for the school. If the ownership of the unencumbered real estate is transferred to SMCHS prior to its sale, the donors will likely avoid the capital gains tax associated with that appreciation.

A major gift to SMCHS may be funded with a new or old life insurance policy at a relatively small cost. There are many ways in which life insurance policies can be used to make a contribution, all of which provide tax deductions and may enable donors to make a larger gift than otherwise possible.

A valid, updated will is the cornerstone of an effective estate plan, and a bequest is a provision in your will to make a gift to the future of SMCHS. Please notify the school if you have already included, or plan to include the school in your estate plans. Planned giving, wills, trusts or retirement plans, can be an advantage both to you and to SMCHS by securing your future and the future of the school as well.