WHY DONATING STOCKS MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL WAYS TO GIVE

Did you know that donating appreciated stock, mutual funds, or other marketable securities can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to support Authentic Life Church? Whether you're a seasoned investor or simply someone looking to maximize your generosity, giving stock can be a smart and impactful move.

  • When you sell appreciated stock, you typically owe capital gains tax on the increase in value. But if you donate the stock directly to the church:

    • You pay $0 in capital gains tax.

    • The church receives the full market value of the stock without tax liability.


      Example: You bought stock for $2,000, and it’s now worth $10,000. If you sell it, you may owe tax on the $8,000 gain. But if you donate it directly, you avoid the tax, and the church receives all $10,000.

  • Stocks held more than one year are eligible for a full fair market value deduction on your itemized tax return.  

    Stocks held less than one year are still eligible for donations, but are subject to certain limitations. 

    • That means greater tax savings for you and greater impact for the church.

  • Because you avoid taxes and receive a deduction, you may be able to give more than you could with cash, without increasing your out-of-pocket cost.

  • Donating assets instead of only income is a way to say, "God, it’s all Yours." Giving stock allows you to:

    • Steward your investments for eternal returns

    • Free up more resources for future generosity

    • Live generously in a way that may not be possible through cash alone

  • We can help walk you through a secure and easy process. With just a few forms and your broker’s help, your stock gift can be transferred in just a few days.

  1. Contact us at Stephanie@authenticlifechurch.com to let us know of your intent to give.

  2. We’ll provide you with our church brokerage account information

  3. Work with your financial advisor or broker to initiate the transfer

  4. We’ll send you a receipt for your tax records once the gift is received.

READY TO GIVE? HERE’S WHAT TO DO:

  • Publicly traded stocks

  • Mutual funds

  • ETFs

  • Bonds

  • Donor-advised fund (DAF) distributions

  • Even cryptocurrency (depending on church infrastructure)

TYPES OF ASSETS YOU CAN GIVE:

YOUR GIFT. ETERNAL IMPACT.

Donating appreciated assets allows you to make a greater kingdom impact while also gaining valuable tax advantages. It's a powerful way to invest in what God is doing through our church—both now and for generations to come.