A Conversation with Realty Gift Fund’s Jay Grab
When most people think about philanthropy, they envision cash donations or planned giving from stocks. But what about real estate? For donors looking to make a lasting impact, Realty Gift Fund (RGF) is leading the way in transforming real estate assets into significant charitable contributions. Realty Gift Fund (RGF) is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning it is a charitable organization that is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations; its primary focus is facilitating the donation of real estate to other non-profit organizations.
We sat down with Jay Grab, one of RGF’s experts, to discuss how the organization simplifies these complex transactions and amplifies donors’ legacies.
Q: What makes Realty Gift Fund unique compared to other nonprofits?
Jay Grab: Realty Gift Fund is one of the few organizations solely dedicated to facilitating charitable gifts of real estate. We specialize in navigating the complexities that come with real estate transactions—things like repairs, title transfers, tenant negotiations, or market valuations. Most nonprofits don’t have the resources or expertise to handle these challenges, so we step in to bridge the gap. This allows donors to turn real estate assets into impactful contributions while eliminating the hassle.
Q: Can you share a recent example of how RGF helped a donor?
Jay Grab: Absolutely. One story that stands out involves a Maryland resident who owned a ski cabin in the Pocono Mountains. After decades of family use, she decided to donate it to support National Jewish Health, a hospital she had been supporting with small annual cash gifts. The cabin needed extensive renovations, but we coordinated everything—from repairs to finding a buyer. By the time we closed the donation, we had generated a significant grant for the hospital. It’s a great example of how donors can align their real estate assets with their philanthropic goals.
Q: What types of properties can people donate?
Jay Grab: Almost any type of real estate! We’ve worked with everything from single-family homes and agricultural land to commercial buildings and vineyards. Whether it’s a debt-encumbered property or a parcel within a larger portfolio, we design custom strategies to meet the donor’s goals while maximizing the benefit to their chosen nonprofits.
Q: What are the tax benefits of donating real estate?
Jay Grab: Donors typically receive a fair market value tax deduction for the charitable portion of their gift, which can offset significant income tax liabilities. In addition, they avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated properties. For many, this creates a win-win: they reduce their tax burden while funding causes they care about.
Q: What’s the process like for donors? Is it complicated?
Jay Grab: Our priority is the donor experience, and we’ve worked hard to make the process as straightforward as possible. Once a donor expresses interest, we evaluate the property and provide a Net Gift Estimate. From there, we coordinate everything—repairs, marketing, listing, and closing. Many transactions are completed in just weeks, even for complex cases.
Q: How does Realty Gift Fund use its national network to benefit donors?
Jay Grab: Our network is a huge advantage. We work with brokers, contractors, and title companies across the country to ensure every donation is handled efficiently and effectively. For example, when a Gulf Coast hotel was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian, we quickly mobilized local experts to manage repairs and secure a buyer. That donation ultimately generated $3.5 million for charitable causes.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Jay Grab: Seeing the impact these gifts have on nonprofits and communities. For example, we recently worked on a project where proceeds supported 20 different charities in education, healthcare, and food security. Knowing we’re helping donors achieve their philanthropic dreams while creating real change is incredibly fulfilling.
If you’d like to explore the possibilities of donating real estate, contact Realty Gift Fund at (505) 660-8470 or (505) 690-7174. With their expertise, your property can become a powerful tool for good.
