Here's one more cutoff date to add to your December list: Many financial services firms have a December 14 deadline to donate stock through charitable giving. It's not an industry-wide date, but you might need to leave an extra few days if you're interested in donating securities to the Foundation this year. Ask your financial advisor if the deadline applies to you.
Especially this year, we're often asked whether the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation is able to accept donations in the form of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The answer is yes. Not only do we accept them, donating securities to the EGR Schools Foundation can be a smart way to maximize the power of your donation.
For many investors, strong market performance brings the potential of high capital gains. You can make a bigger impact by donating long-term appreciated securities, including stock, bonds, and mutual funds, directly to the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation. Not only will your donation be increased, you may receive a greater tax benefit as well.
Compared with donating cash, or selling your appreciated securities and contributing the after-tax proceeds, you may be able to automatically increase your gift and your tax deduction. When you donate stock to the Foundation, you’ll generally take a tax deduction for the full fair market value. And because you are donating stock, your contribution and tax deduction may instantly increase by 15% or more.
If you're interested in donating securities to the Foundation, email Amy Stuursma at astuursm@egrps.org or call her at (616)235-3535.
