Imagine if you could support your community while making a savvy financial decision. That is the beauty of donating — it’s a smart financial move that maximizes your impact while giving you additional tax benefits!
What are Gifts of Securities?
Gifts of securities are donations of publicly traded appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment assets, instead of making a cash donation. Individuals or organizations transfer ownership of these securities directly to the charity.
What are the Benefits of Gifts of Securities?
By donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly to a charity, you will receive a larger tax credit and receive a charitable tax receipt for the full value of your shares — meaning you may be able to make a larger gift than you could have with a cash donation alone!
Plus, when you donate appreciated stocks, you do not have to pay the capital gains tax that you would have incurred if you sold the asset instead. This means more of your donation goes towards making a difference in the health and well-being of our community.
It’s also a great way to dispose of assets that are not performing well — transforming a lackluster investment into a powerful tool for positive change.
You will receive a tax receipt for the full market value of the securities, which can be used to further reduce your annual income when filing your taxes.
This is an example of the potential tax advantages of donating securities versus selling the securities and donating the proceeds:
| If you sell your securities and donate cash | If you donate your securities directly to charity | |
| Original cost of securities | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Current Market Rate | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Capital Gain | $10,000 – $5,000 = $5,000 | $10,000 – $5,000 = $5,000 |
| Taxable Capital Gains (based on rate of 50%) | $5,000 x 50% = $2,500 tax | 0% (no tax on donation) |
| Donation Amount After-Tax | $7,500 | $10,000 (your charity receives $2,500 more!) |
| Your Charitable Tax Credit (based on tax rate of 30%) | $7,500 x 30% = $2,250 | $10,000 x 30% = $3,000 |
| Total Cost of Donation | $5,000(original cost) + $2,500 (capital gains) = $7,500 | $5,000 (original cost, no additional costs) |
Making a Gift of Securities is Easy!
We’ve made it easier by including a simple fillable form on our website that won’t take long to complete.
We encourage you to make your donation of securities before December 16 to qualify for a tax receipt for the current year — most charities have a cutoff date of mid-December to guarantee issuing a tax receipt for the current year.
The Power of your Gift
By choosing to donate appreciated securities you are choosing to maximize your impact — your gift of securities is more than a donation: it is an investment into the health and well-being of your community. Thank you for choosing to be a savvy supporter!
Please note the information above is intended to provide general information and does not constitute legal or financial advice. We recommend you consult with your legal/financial advisor to ensure you maximize every opportunity based on your specific portfolio.
“I choose to donate securities to Pacific Public Health Foundation because I like their proactive approach — they are tackling root causes that are helping to prevent health issues before they escalate. That truly resonates with me. Plus, I can take advantage of significant tax benefits while addressing an urgent need for greater investment in public health. I feel good knowing I’m supporting a healthier, more resilient future for British Columbians.”
Check out all the ways you can give, including through securities here.
