FALL 2025
Real Estate Gifts to Boston College
Real estate gifts can be a powerful way to support BC’s mission and unlock a range of financial and tax benefits for you and your family. Whether it’s a home, vacation property, farmland, or commercial building, your gift can make a lasting impact on BC students, faculty, and programs you care about.
What are the different ways I can use real estate to make a gift to BC?
- Outright Gifts: Donate all or a percentage of your property to BC now.
- Retained Life Estates: Donate your home or farm but retain the right to live there for life or a term of years.
- Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): Place the property in a trust that provides income to you or others, with the remainder going to BC.
- Bequests: Designate real estate to BC in your will or living trust.
Each option offers distinct benefits and can be tailored to your financial and philanthropic goals.
What are the benefits of making an outright gift of real estate to BC?
- Immediate charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the property
- Avoidance of capital gains tax on appreciated property
Already sold the property? You can still make a meaningful gift by donating all or a portion of the sale proceeds. Your charitable deduction may help offset capital gains or income taxes triggered by the sale, which is a smart way to turn a taxable event into a philanthropic opportunity.
What is a retained life estate and how does it work?
A retained life estate allows you to:
- Donate your personal residence or farm to BC
- Retain the right to live in or use the property for life (or a term of years)
- Receive a charitable deduction based on the property’s value and your life expectancy
This option combines philanthropic impact with continued personal use.
How does a charitable remainder trust (CRT) involving real estate benefit me?
A CRT allows you to:
- Convert real estate into a stream of income for life or a term of years
- Receive a partial charitable deduction
- Avoid immediate capital gains tax
- Support BC with the remainder of the trust after the income term ends
CRTs are ideal for donors seeking income and tax efficiency while making a future gift.
Can I leave real estate to BC in my will?
Yes. A bequest of real estate is a meaningful way to create a legacy at BC. Benefits include:
- Flexibility—you retain control of the property during your lifetime
- No impact on current finances
- Lasting support for BC’s mission and future generations
We recommend working with your attorney and BC’s gift planning team to ensure your intentions are clearly documented.
What kinds of properties are typically accepted?
BC evaluates each property on a case-by-case basis. Commonly accepted types include:
- Residential homes and condominiums
- Vacation properties
- Undeveloped land
- Farms and ranches
- Commercial buildings
Due diligence is conducted to ensure the property aligns with BC’s gift acceptance policies.
Whom can I talk to about making a real estate gift?
We’re here to help. BC’s Office of Gift Planning can guide you through the process, answer questions, and work with your advisors.
NEXT STEPS
Learn more about real estate gifts to the Heights.
Or contact the Office of Gift Planning at 877-304-SHAW or at giftplanning@bc.edu.
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Nest Egg
John Kozarich ’71 transferred the title of his home in Rancho Sante Fe, Calif., to Boston College. It’s a gift that provides him with a significant tax deduction now and guarantees long-term support for BC.
Solid Foundation
Whether it was your off-campus apartment junior year with friends or a one-story fixer-upper a decade or more later, you never forget your first place, no matter what condition it was in when you signed the paperwork. The excitement around getting the keys. Figuring out how to set up your belongings. Feeling too energized to sleep that first night, because all you can think is, “This is mine!”
