A business owner who contributes closely held stock to The Ringling will be allowed a charitable deduction for the fair-market value of the stock. An additional benefit is that the donor will escape the potential capital-gain tax on any appreciation in the value of the stock.

Subsequent to the gift, the corporation could purchase the stock from The Ringling for cash. This not only enables the donor to retain complete control over the company but also makes cash available to The Ringling for its current needs. As long as The Ringling is not obligated to sell the stock to the corporation, the transaction should produce no adverse tax results.