Helping Donors Give Through Gifts of Grain

Agriculture has long been at the heart of our communities in Riley and Pottawatomie Counties. With roughly 85% of the land dedicated to farming and ranching, local farm families continue to play an important role not only in feeding communities, but also in supporting the charitable causes that strengthen them.

For nonprofit organizations, Gift of Grain donations can open the door to meaningful conversations with agricultural donors who want to make an impact in a tax-efficient way. While many donors are familiar with giving cash or checks, fewer realize the option to donate grain directly to support the causes they care about.

A Gift of Grain allows farmers to transfer a portion of their harvested grain directly to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF), which then sells the grain and directs the proceeds to charitable purposes. Because the grain is donated before it is sold, this type of giving may provide tax advantages. As always, donors should consult with their tax advisor regarding their individual situation.

For nonprofits, the key is not to become a tax expert, but to help make our farming and ranching donors aware of this giving option. In many faming communities, a culture of philanthropy can be cultivated.

How Nonprofits Can Start the Conversation

Gift of Grain conversations do not have to feel complicated or formal. Often, a simple mention can plant the seed for future giving.

Here are a few easy ways to introduce the topic:

• Thank a farmer/rancher for their work. Many farms have family ties over generations. This ties directly to the community they care about.
• “Did you know there are ways to give directly from the farm, including grain gifts?”
• “Some of our agricultural supporters choose to give through Gifts of Grain because it can be tax-efficient.”
• “If you would ever like information about non-cash giving options, GMCF can help walk through those opportunities.”

These conversations can be especially meaningful ahead of harvest season, year-end giving discussions, capital campaigns, or conversations with long-time supporters who have agricultural ties.

How the Process Works

1. The farmer delivers grain to the elevator.
2. The farmer instructs the elevator to transfer a specific number of bushels to GMCF.
3. GMCF authorizes the sale of the grain and collects the proceeds.
4. GMCF provides documentation acknowledging the gift.
5. The proceeds support charitable causes within the local community.

Gift of Grain donations can support nonprofit funds, unrestricted community impact funds, donor-advised funds, scholarships, and many other charitable initiatives administered through GMCF.

By simply making donors aware of this opportunity, nonprofits can help create another pathway for generosity while strengthening relationships with local agricultural families.

If your organization would like additional information about Gifts of Grain or resources to share with donors, please contact the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation at 785-587-8995 or foundation@mcfks.org.