Disclaimer: I am not a tax advisor, or an attorney, but I’m pretty sure either of those would agree with the below.

If you have appreciated stock or (some) mutual funds, you can donate those to the AOG without first cashing them in.  This offers a great advantage to both you and the AOG, and here’s how:

• You will get to deduct the market value of the stock/mutual fund at the time it is donated
• You will not be taxed on the gain, as you have not realized any gain
• As a non-profit, the AOG will not be taxed on the gain when they sell the stock/mutual fund

For example, let’s say you bought stock several years ago for $1,000 and it is now worth $2,000.  If you donate the stock to the AOG, you will be able to take a $2,000 deduction (assuming you aren’t otherwise hitting an IRS limit).  If you sold the stock and then donated $2,000 cash to the AOG, you would still get the $2,000 deduction, but you would have $1,000 in capital gains which you may owe taxes on.  So if you’re considering a generous gift to the AOG and you have some appreciated stock/mutual funds laying around, you will want to research this.

How to give stock

Please consider designating your gift for the “Class of 1977 Fund”.