Generous givers from around the country are learning something new about giving. If you have appreciated securities you’ve owned for more than a year, you may have a significant opportunity to give more than you thought possible. If God’s given you a dream of giving more to a cause, you may be able to fulfill that dream efficiently by giving stock.
A giver in Florida had never thought about giving stock, but when he did, he was able to increase his giving to get hurting kids off the streets and to bring the gospel to many people in East Africa.
A giver in the Midwest found he could give stocks almost as easily as he could give cash, and it was more efficient. Now he supports ministries helping people coming out of the prison system to find new careers. Another NCF giver family was able to keep giving even after stepping out into a missional calling when they remembered they had stocks they could give instead of cash.
Fulfill a giving dream with stock
There are two important things to remember when giving stock to charity:
- Give them after a year: To get the most out of this strategy, you must have held the stock for more than one year. With stocks owned long-term, you can usually deduct the fair market value of the donation from your taxes, which can mean more for charity.
- Give your winners: When you donate appreciated securities, the capital gains taxes saved can mean more for your favorite ministry, and you can claim the value of the donation as a charitable deduction for 2025. If your stocks have appreciated, donating them is a great way to increase your support for the causes close to your heart. Though stocks that have not appreciated aren’t good candidates for this strategy, you may still choose to sell them and give from the proceeds.
How it works
You can give now but decide later which grantees you want to support. One of the beauties of gifting stock to a Giving Fund is that you can transfer shares now. You make your gift, and we issue a charitable contribution receipt. Then, you can claim any qualifying deduction based on this year’s gift but take time strategizing how you will support the causes on your heart. The Giving Fund owns and invests the money in your fund, and you recommend the grants when you’re ready.
To transfer the shares to your Giving Fund, most banks and brokerage firms require a letter of instruction or letter of authorization. Mutual funds can also be given, and a mutual fund company may have a special form. It’s a good idea to start the process as soon as possible, so the transfer has plenty of time to be completed.
Learn more about stock giving with NCF in the video below.
