Donating appreciated securities, including stocks or bonds, is typically a tax-effective way for you to make a gift to support your church or some other ministry. The Foundation offers individuals, churches, and agencies the use of our discount brokerage account. Proceeds from the sale of securities can be used to start or increase an endowment or donor advised fund, create a charitable gift annuity, or can be "passed through" directly to the ministry of your choice.
By electronic transfer - Please contact us for instructions on how you can transfer stock or bonds from your brokerage or investment account to United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia.
By certified mail - If you hold securities in certificate form, you will need to mail two envelopes separately to complete your gift. In the first envelope, place the unsigned stock certificate(s). In the other envelope, include a signed stock power for each certificate. You may obtain this power from your broker or bank. Please remember to use certified mail.
Donors who itemize their deductions for tax purposes may be able to claim a charitable deduction for their gift of appreciated securities. Their deduction is based upon the average daily price of the stock on the date of their gift. Mutual fund shares are valued using the closing price for the fund on the date of the gift. When you make a gift of securities to The Foundation, we will provide you with a receipt including an estimate of value; please consult your advisor/accountant to determine the value you may claim as a charitable contribution for tax purposes.
If your stock has depreciated in value, you may want to sell the stock and then donate the cash proceeds to The Foundation. In this way, you may be able to take advantage of the tax benefit of a capital loss as well as receive a potential tax deduction for gift of cash.
If you have any questions about gifts of stocks and bonds, please contact us so we can assist you.