Ways to give

More than one way to build the rink.

Give online with a card, transfer appreciated stock directly to CGSA, recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund, make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, or mail a check. Every gift goes to the same fund: building The Gorge Ice Rink.

Fastest way to give

Give online.

One-time or recurring. Credit card, debit, or ACH. Every dollar goes to construction.

Donate now
Appreciated stock

Donate stock directly. Give more, pay less tax.

Donating appreciated stock, mutual funds, or ETFs held longer than one year is one of the most tax-smart ways to give. Transfer shares directly to CGSA and you get a double benefit: your gift is larger, and your tax deduction is bigger — without needing a donor-advised fund.

Why stock instead of cash?

  • Eliminate capital gains tax on the appreciation — up to 23.8% (long-term capital gains + Medicare surtax) that would otherwise go to the IRS goes to the rink instead.
  • Deduct the full fair market value of the shares on your return (generally up to 30% of AGI, if you itemize).
  • Give more, out of pocket less. A stock gift is usually larger than what you'd give in cash after taxes.
  • Great for portfolio rebalancing — donate concentrated positions without triggering a taxable event.
Example: gifting $40,000 of appreciated stock
Cost basis (original purchase) $25,000
Current fair market value $40,000
If you sell first, then donate the proceeds $36,430 to CGSA
If you donate the stock directly $40,000 to CGSA
Extra dollars to the rink + $3,570

Example based on Fidelity Charitable's stock donation guide, assuming a 23.8% combined federal long-term capital gains + Medicare surtax rate. Actual savings depend on your tax situation.

Helpful reading: Fidelity Charitable: Donate Stock to Charity. CGSA is not a tax advisor — please consult your CPA or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

How to initiate a stock gift

Stock transfers move directly from your brokerage to CGSA's brokerage account. To keep things clean and make sure we can properly credit and thank you, please contact CGSA before you initiate the transfer. We'll send you:

  • CGSA's brokerage name & account number
  • Our DTC number for the transfer
  • A simple donor form so we know the gift is coming from you (brokers often can't put your name on the transfer)
Ready to donate stock? Email info@cgskating.org or call 503.459.7791 and we'll send transfer instructions the same day.

Timing tip: Aim to complete stock transfers a few weeks before year-end — December transfers can take 2–5 business days and back up in the year-end rush.

2026 tax note: Starting in the 2026 tax year, itemized charitable deductions only apply to contributions above 0.5% of your AGI, and the tax benefit is capped at 35% even for top-bracket filers. Direct stock gifts of long-held appreciated shares remain highly tax-efficient — talk to your advisor about the best strategy for your situation.

Donor-advised funds

Have a DAF? Recommend a grant.

If you already give through Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or another DAF sponsor, you can recommend a grant to CGSA in a few clicks. Use the details below when you submit your recommendation.

Recipient information

Legal name Columbia Gorge Skating Association
Tax status 501(c)(3) public charity
Federal Tax ID / EIN 33-2079456
Mailing address 8200 Hwy 30 W, The Dalles, OR 97058
Designation (optional) The Gorge Ice Rink

How to recommend a grant

  • Sign in to your DAF sponsor's grant portal
  • Search for “Columbia Gorge Skating Association” or enter our EIN
  • Add “The Gorge Ice Rink” in the purpose / designation field
  • Submit your recommendation — most sponsors process within a few days
Need help? Email info@cgskating.org
For donors 70 1/2 or older

Give from your IRA. Save on taxes.

If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to CGSA. QCDs bypass the standard income tax rule — your gift can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) without being considered taxable income.

How it works

  • Contact your IRA plan administrator
  • Ask them to make a direct QCD transfer to CGSA
  • The funds must move directly from the IRA custodian to CGSA — they cannot pass through your personal bank account
  • Your plan may not put your name on the check — please let us know it's coming so we can properly thank you

Oregon residents: please note that distribution gifts from your IRA do not count toward the Oregon Cultural Trust giving program. Annual QCD limits are set by the IRS and adjust for inflation.

Information for your plan administrator

Not-for-profit Columbia Gorge Skating Association
EIN 33-2079456
Tax status 501(c)(3) public charity
Mail check to 8200 Hwy 30 W, The Dalles, OR 97058
Questions about a QCD gift? Email info@cgskating.org
Prefer paper?

Mail a check.

Where to send it

Make checks payable to Columbia Gorge Skating Association and mail to:

CGSA
8200 Hwy 30 W
The Dalles, OR 97058

We'll send a tax receipt within two weeks.

Questions? Email info@cgskating.org