how to donate stock guide to donating stock

How to: Donate Stock to AdoptAClassroom.org

Want to donate stock to support K-12 classrooms nationwide? We can help!

Donating appreciated securities like stock, bonds, or mutual funds is a great way to maximize your impact. Rather than selling your appreciated securities and donating the after-tax proceeds, a direct gift may increase your donation total and tax deductions.

Fidelity Charitable says if you donate appreciated funds directly your contribution and tax deduction may increase by 20%. 

This strategy works best for investments that you have had for over a year and have not lost value. You will avoid paying a capital gains tax on the stock’s appreciation. If you have a financial advisor, they may be able to help you determine what options are best for you.

Donate Stock in Three Steps

  1. Determine which stocks you want to donate. If you have a financial advisor, they can help you determine the options that maximize your impact and tax benefits.
  2. Contact your brokerage firm or investment advisor for next steps. They will inform you of the exact steps necessary to send your stock to AdoptAClassroom.org. This will likely involve a transfer form. 
  3. Let us know your donation is coming or ask questions. Contact our Development Director, Angie Harris, at [email protected] or (877) 384-0764. She can assist you or answer questions.

If your schedule looks like ours, it’s jampacked. But don’t wait! Donating appreciated securities isn’t an instant process. If you’re looking to make a gift before the year ends, be sure to start sooner rather than later so you can complete the process before December 31st.


Our Giving Guides will help you maximize your impact. Read more: