Give Stock and Maximize Your Impact
Gifting stock is one of the most tax-friendly ways to support nonprofits. When you donate appreciated securities, you may avoid capital gains tax while deducting the full fair-market value of the contribution. And because you’re donating stock rather than selling it, the CDC Foundation receives the full value—making stock gifts a powerful win-win.
A gift of appreciated securities is also one of the most tax-efficient ways to support the CDC Foundation. Donating stock, bonds or mutual funds allows you to make a larger impact while receiving significant tax benefits.
Why Donate Appreciated Securities?
Make A Bigger Impact
When you donate stock directly (instead of selling it and donating the after-tax proceeds), the CDC Foundation receives the full value—without any reduction from capital gains taxes.
Avoid Capital Gains Tax
Most donors can avoid federal capital gains tax on appreciated securities held for more than one year and may claim a charitable deduction for the asset’s full market value. State and local tax benefits may also apply.
Alignment with Values
Donating appreciated stock enables you to use your long-term investments to advance your philanthropic goals—sharing your accumulated wealth, not your after-tax income.
Simple, Secure and Fast
You can now donate stock in minutes through our secure DonateStock portal. It's free, easy to use and provides everything you need to initiate your gift.
Prefer to Donate Manually?
If you prefer to work through your financial advisor or need written transfer instructions, we’re here to help.
Contact:
Elizabeth Patrick
Senior Director of Major Gifts and Individual Support
600 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 404.523.1873
Email
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is DonateStock?
DonateStock is a trusted stock-gifting platform that simplifies and accelerates the charitable stock donation process.
Will I get a receipt for tax purposes?
Yes. You will receive an acknowledgment letter (tax receipt) once your stock is received.
What are the benefits of donating stock?
- Avoid capital gains tax on appreciated securities held for more than one year. Total capital gains and NII taxes can range from 18.8% to 37.1% depending on income and state of residence.
- Receive a charitable tax deduction for the full fair-market value.
- Make a larger impact by donating pre-tax assets.
What are the guidelines around charitable stock gifting?
- You may donate publicly traded stocks, mutual funds and Exchange-Traded Fund (ETFs) held for more than one year.
- Shares must not be restricted and must trade on a major exchange.
- Deductions are generally limited to 30% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
- For gifts over $500, file IRS Form 8283 with your tax return.
How does the stock gifting process work?
- Shares are transferred from your account to an account managed by DonateStock Charitable, Inc.
- No paperwork, calls or emails are required—everything is handled online in minutes.
- Transfers typically take 2–5 business days. You will be notified when your gift arrives.
- Your tax receipt will be sent upon receipt of the shares.
- Gifts are valued as of the date the shares are received.
When should I donate stock?
- End of Year tax planning (before the 12/31 deadline for charitable deductions).
- When you need to harvest gains: take gains and reduce risk while avoiding capital gains tax.
- When satisfying pledges, sponsoring an event, purchasing a table or bidding in an auction.
- Legacy Planning: reduce estate taxes by gifting stock in your will.
How do I decide which stocks, ETFs or mutual funds to donate?
- Consider these criteria when donating appreciated securities:
- Portfolio concentration: Donate shares of overweighted positions to diversify your portfolio.
- Biggest gainers: Donate your biggest long-term winners and select the Lot with the lowest cost-basis for maximum savings.
How do I donate stock without giving up future price appreciation?
A common strategy is to donate appreciated shares and repurchase them at today’s price. This preserves your investment position while resetting your cost basis, reducing future taxable gains.
- Example: Donate 1 share of Apple worth $200 (originally purchased for $50). You may deduct the $200 gift, avoid taxes on the $150 gain, and establish a new cost basis of $200.
Is it safe to use the DonateStock app?
Yes! DonateStock is built with security and privacy in mind and is hosted on highly-trusted infrastructure. The platform has passed security and compliance reviews with major U.S. institutions.
What if I prefer to have my advisor do it for me?
Your advisor can visit the CDC Foundation’s page on DonateStock.com, click “Donate Stock,” and select the advisor option. This provides everything they need to initiate the transfer on your behalf.
How much does it cost?
There’s no cost to you or your advisor.