Donate Stock Why Gift Stock to Friends of the Children? Donating appreciated securities (such as publicly traded stock, bonds, or mutual funds) that you have owned for more than one year, is a great way to support our work to expand across the U.S. and to provide every child a Friend who needs one! Compared to donating cash or selling your appreciated securities and contributing after-tax proceeds, you may be able to automatically increase your gift and your tax donation. When you donate securities to Friends of the Children, you will receive a charitable income tax deduction for its full market value. Even better, you will avoid any capital gains tax on the increase in value of the stock since you purchased it. Seek Advice Prior to Donating A gift of stock made before December 31 of a calendar year may reduce your tax burden for the year you give. Your financial advisor can explain the possible tax benefits depending on whether the stock has appreciated or lost value since the time you acquired it. If your stock has been held long-term but has decreased in value, it may be more advantageous for you to sell the stock and give cash to Friends of the Children. Take the Next Step If you are interested in donating securities to Friends of the Children, please reach out to Jamie McConnell, Development Director, at jmcconnell@friendsmontana.org for transfer information.