Gifts of Securities

Many individuals have seen the value of their stocks, mutual funds and related investments climb in recent years. Even with current fluctuations, you may own investments that have increased substantially in value.

Making a gift of securities is a way for you to maximize your appreciated gains by minimizing or avoiding capital gains tax and benefiting UCP/NYC at the same time. A "balanced sale" of a security can also be made in which you make a gift of part of your investment while selling the remainder. Stock options are yet another vehicle for making a charitable gift to UCP/NYC.

For others, the need may exist to retain a fixed or variable income, either over a set period of time or for the lifetime of the donor. For these situations, there are a number of plans available that can be funded through the donation of appreciated securities. An income tax deduction is allowed in the year that the securities are transferred to UCP/NYC. In addition, the income to the donor that is generated by the charity's investment of the asset may also be taxed at lower than ordinary rates, depending upon the type of planned giving vehicle used.

UCP/NYC recommends that you consult your financial planner and/or estate-planning attorney when considering a gift of securities. Our Development Office welcomes the opportunity to discuss giving options with you that best meet your financial and charitable objectives.

The Securities Gift Transaction

The actual gift transaction does not need to be complicated. Financial services providers can electronically transfer funds from your securities account to UCP/NYC (we will be happy to furnish information on this option).

Those in possession of actual stock certificates can mail the unendorsed stock certificates along with a signed stock power (available from your financial services provider) to UCP/NYC in separate envelopes. The gift is complete on the date of postmark of the later envelope.

UCP now offers the option of completing a transaction online as well. For more information on this option, please visit Online Stock Donations.

The value of a gift of publicly traded securities will be the average of the high and low prices on the date the gift is completed.

For More Information

Click here to request free planned giving materials, including information on "Giving Securities."

To contact our Development Office directly, you may e-mail us at wwhite@ucpnyc.org.