The Power of Your Portfolio: Donate Stock

Have you ever considered donating appreciated stock to charity? It’s a fantastic way to maximize your impact and potentially simplify your giving. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of stock donations for both you and the CICOA Foundation, a social services nonprofit dedicated to serving older adults and people with disabilities in Central Indiana.

The Power of the Right Tool

Last weekend, I was tackling some yard work, a task I usually find quite tedious. One chore I’ve particularly disliked for years is spreading mulch. It always felt like a messy, time-consuming struggle. But guess what? A few years ago, everything changed with the introduction of a simple tool: a specialized rake designed specifically for spreading mulch. This seemingly insignificant tool completely transformed my experience. It made the process efficient, effective and even enjoyable!

The right tool can truly make a world of difference. Similarly, donating appreciated stock to charity can be a powerful tool for maximizing your philanthropic impact. Just like the perfect mulch rake, it allows you to achieve your goals in a smarter, more streamlined way.

Why Donate Stock to the CICOA Foundation?

Maximize Your Impact with Tax Advantages: Let’s face it, capital gains taxes can put a dent in your charitable goals. When you donate appreciated stock held for more than a year, you bypass these taxes altogether. This allows your gift to stretch further, directly supporting the vital services we provide to families and individuals.

For example, imagine you own Lilly stock, which just recently closed on the market at $849.99 per share. If you sold it and donated the cash, you might owe capital gains taxes, reducing your actual donation to CICOA Foundation. However, by donating the stock directly, the full amount goes towards supporting our mission!

Simplify Your Giving Process: Skip the hassle of selling stock, waiting for funds to settle, and then making a separate cash donation. Donating stock electronically is a streamlined process that can be completed with a phone call or email to your broker. This frees up your valuable time and allows you to focus on the positive impact you’re making.

Support a Worthy Cause: Your generous stock donation directly translates to real change in the lives of older adults and people with disabilities. We offer a variety of programs, from home-delivered meals and transportation to caregiver support and volunteer companions. Every contribution allows us to continue empowering those we serve to live their best lives.

Additional Benefits of Donating Stock:

Leave Your Cash Flow Untouched: Donating stock allows you to make a significant contribution without impacting your cash flow. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re on a fixed income or want to spread out your charitable giving throughout the year. If you have a Donor Advised Fund, you can donate stock to that fund and then grant it out to your favorite charities.

Rebalance Your Portfolio: Have you been meaning to rebalance your investment portfolio but haven’t gotten around to it? Donating appreciated stock can be a strategic way to achieve this goal while simultaneously supporting a cause you care about.

Large Gifts and Planned Gifts: Stock donations are a fantastic way to fulfill long-term philanthropic goals. If you dream of making a big impact with a large charitable gift, stock donations can help you accomplish that goal. Also, they can be included in your estate plan, ensuring a lasting legacy of support for CICOA Foundation’s mission.

How to Donate Stock to CICOA Foundation

Making a stock donation is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple three-step process:

1. Contact Your Broker: Inform your broker of your intention to donate stock to CICOA Foundation. They will need our Employer Identification Number (EIN) to facilitate the transfer. 

2. We Facilitate the Transfer: CICOA Foundation maintains a dedicated stock transfer account to streamline the donation process. Your broker will initiate the transfer of the stock directly to our account. We do not hold the stock, so we will cash out its value.

3. Receive Recognition: We’ll gratefully acknowledge your generous gift and share how it directly impacts the lives we serve.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Donating appreciated stock is a powerful way to support CICOA Foundation’s work. It allows you to maximize your impact, simplify your giving and contribute to a cause that truly matters. We encourage you to explore this option and unlock the full potential of your portfolio for positive change.

Have questions? Contact me today!

Phone: (317) 803-6062
Email: sgerber@cicoa.org

Together, let’s build a brighter future for older adults and people with disabilities in Indianapolis!

Steve Gerber

Steve Gerber brings experience in pastoral ministry, nonprofit management and fundraising team leadership to his role as CICOA’s chief development officer. Steve is responsible for the agency’s overall fundraising strategy, leading annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, grants and special events.

He holds designations for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy^® (CAP^®), and the executive certificate in religious fundraising. Steve earned a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University, a master’s degree from Grace Theological Seminary and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

Additional Resources:

Schwab – Is It Better to Give Stock or Cash to Charity?
Charity Navigator – Donating Stocks
FreeWill – How to Donate Stock to Charity