Using appreciated securities in charitable giving

When thinking about your charitable giving, writing a check or cash quickly comes to mind, yet there can be other assets that work well too.

Consider donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds to benefit OLLI at WVU.  Your gift will count at today’s (mean) value, as long as you’ve owned the stocks or mutual funds for more than a year, even though you may have paid far less for them.  You’ll escape any taxes on the capital gain, and you’ll know your gift will be used for the good purpose you specify. 

If the fund has decreased in value, it may be to your advantage to sell them, donate the proceeds to OLLI and take the loss on your income tax return. Please consult with your tax advisor.

It’s a great way to support OLLI and manage to avoid capital gains taxes on the increase in value. For securities transfer instructions, contact Karen Galentine at one of the options to follow. Please give me a ’head’s up’ so we know you are the donor and you receive proper credit. My direct phone number is 304-293-1828 or kegalentine@hsc.wvu.edu.