Turn Your Gains into Good: Donating Stock Has 2x Benefits
Most people think of charitable giving in terms of cash, but donating appreciated stock — or other long-term investments — can be a powerful way to support the causes you care about while maximizing your financial impact. For organizations like Appalachian Opportunity Fund (AOF), these gifts help families achieve lasting financial stability and stretch every dollar further.
Why Donating Stock Makes Sense
- Avoid capital gains tax
Selling appreciated stock usually triggers capital gains tax on the profit. By donating shares directly to a qualified charity, you bypass that tax entirely, ensuring that more of your gift goes straight to the mission you care about. - Deduct the full market value
If you’ve held the stock for more than a year, you can often deduct the full fair market value on your taxes. Even modest initial investments can translate into substantial charitable gifts today. - Maximize your charitable impact
Because charities don’t owe capital gains tax on donated stock, 100% of the value can go to programs and services — often more than if you sold the stock first and donated cash. - Align giving with financial planning
Donating highly appreciated or over-concentrated stock can also help rebalance your portfolio, turning strategic financial planning into an opportunity for philanthropy.
Gifts of Stock Made Easy
AOF has partnered with Infinite Giving to make donating stock straightforward and stress-free. You simply fill out an interest form, and your advisor and Infinite Giving take care of the rest. READ MORE (PDF)
Always consult a financial advisor or tax professional before donating stock. They can help determine eligibility, timing, and the best strategy to maximize both your charitable impact and tax benefits.
Why It Matters
For AOF, gifts of appreciated stock are an underused opportunity for donors to make a bigger difference. By giving stock, you can support programs that help families build financial stability — all while making the most of your resources and simplifying the giving process.
Make a Gift of Stock today!