Donate Your Stocks, Bonds or Mutual Funds with a Gift of Securities
Make a bigger impact and save on taxes by donating stock to the American Cancer Society. Giving appreciated securities is one of the most tax-smart ways to support our mission.
When you give a gift of securities, you are giving a stock, bond, or mutual fund to charity before selling. You can give securities that have dropped in value as well as ones that have appreciated, but the tax benefits only apply if the value has increased.
When you donate appreciated securities in this way, you can usually eliminate the capital gains tax and the Medicare surtax, which together can add up to a tax of nearly 25%. This means your donation goes much further than if you’d sold the securities, paid the tax, and then donated.
Another major advantage of giving a gift of securities is that when you pay your taxes, you can then deduct the fair market value of your donation as an itemized deduction. For more detail on these potential benefits, see our FAQ section.
1. Donate Stock Online (Fastest & Easiest)
We’ve partnered with Overflow, a secure online platform that makes donating stock simple and fast — no forms, no hassle.
- Complete your gift in under 10 minutes
- Works from your phone or computer
- No need to contact your broker
- Secure, trackable, and fully encrypted
- Instant confirmation and tax documentation
Compatible with the top brokerages including Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, Vanguard, Robinhood, Interactive Brokers, Merrill Edge, SoFi Invest, Ally Invest, Webull, J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing, Tradestation, M1 Finance, Acorns, Tastyworks, Betterment, Stash, Firstrade, and Public.com.
2. Electronic Transfer Through Your Broker
You can also donate securities through a direct transfer from your brokerage account. Just share the details below with your financial institution:
Broker Transfer Instructions:
- Broker: Merrill Lynch
- DTC Number: 8862
- Account Name: American Cancer Society
- Tax ID: 13-1788491
- Account Number: 706-04H79
- Broker Contact: Jacqueline Bowen – (404) 231-2410
⬇️ Download Electronic Transfer Form
Please notify us when your transfer is initiated so we can properly identify and acknowledge your gift.
3. Physical Delivery of Stock Certificates
If you hold physical securities, you may deliver them by hand, registered mail, or courier to your local American Cancer Society office. If the certificates are registered in your name, you must also include a completed Irrevocable Stock/Bond Power Form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Donating Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds
Donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds involves transferring ownership of these appreciated securities to a charitable organization, such as the American Cancer Society, rather than selling them and donating the after-tax proceeds.
Donating appreciated securities directly to charity allows you to avoid paying capital gains taxes and the Medicare surtax, which can amount to nearly 25%. This means your donation can go much further than if you sold the securities, paid taxes, and donated the remaining amount.
- Avoid Capital Gains Taxes: You eliminate taxes on any appreciation in value.
- Tax Deduction: You can deduct the fair market value of your securities donation on your tax return, potentially reducing your taxable income.
- Additional Deductions: You can deduct up to 30% of your adjusted gross income, with the option to carry unused deductions forward for up to 5 years.
Yes, you can donate securities that have decreased in value, but the tax benefits are greater when you donate appreciated stocks. If the value has dropped, consider selling the securities, claiming the capital loss, and donating the proceeds instead.
There are three simple ways to donate securities:
- Online Donation: Use the secure Overflow platform for fast and easy donations. You can complete the process in under 10 minutes, without needing to contact your broker.
- Electronic Transfer: You can transfer securities directly from your brokerage account to the American Cancer Society. Details for the transfer are provided on our website.
- Physical Delivery of Stock Certificates: If you hold physical certificates, you can deliver them by hand, registered mail, or courier to the American Cancer Society office.
We’ve partnered with top brokerages, including Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, Vanguard, Robinhood, Interactive Brokers, Merrill Edge, SoFi Invest, Webull, J.P. Morgan, and many more.
Once you donate securities, you will receive instant confirmation and tax documentation for your records. If you transfer securities through your broker or donate physical certificates, please notify us to ensure proper acknowledgment.
If your stock is part of a cash merger or tender offer, capital gains taxes may still apply. It’s important to consult with your financial advisor before making your donation.
You can carry forward unused deductions from your donation for up to 5 years, helping you maximize your charitable contributions.
To make your donation, visit our website to choose your preferred donation method. If you need assistance, our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth transaction.
You should always consult with your financial advisor before initiating a charitable gift arrangement. The information provided in this FAQ is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, tax, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any financial decisions or charitable donations. The American Cancer Society does not provide tax advice and recommends that donors consult with their own advisors to understand the tax implications of their donations.
Gifts of appreciated securities could provide even greater benefits to you through Planned Giving.
