Appreciated Securities

Consider a contribution of appreciated securities.

Increase your gift — and your tax deduction — with one simple strategy.

You can make a bigger impact by donating long-term appreciated securities, including stock, bonds, and mutual funds, directly to US Sailing. Instead of a cash donation or selling your appreciated securities and contributing the after-tax proceeds, transfer the securities directly to US Sailing, and you’ll automatically increase your gift and your tax deduction.

How does it work?

It’s simple. When you donate stock to US Sailing, you’ll generally take a tax deduction for the full fair market value without incurring any capital gains tax liability. That means you can have a greater impact and you may be able to take a bigger tax deduction.

A larger gift and a larger deduction

"When Jane and I decided to direct a significant gift to the US Olympic Sailing Program, we chose to donate stock to avoid reducing our cash position.  After talking with our financial adviser, we selected a stock that had enjoyed significant appreciation but would incur a large capital gain if sold outright.

By donating the stock directly to the US Sailing Foundation, we were able to donate and deduct the stock’s full, fair market value – for us, a capital gains savings of 20%.  The Team received a gift 20% larger than if we’d given cash from the sale of the same stock.  If you reside in a state with state income taxes, then your savings will be greater and your effective gift larger.

The Foundation sold the stock and reinvested the funds in top-level coaching for our nation’s Olympic sailing athletes – and I know for certain that more time-on-the water with medal-proven coaches is what it takes to win Gold.  The stock contribution purchased 20% more coaching and it’s possible that could make the difference.

From my point of view, a gift of appreciated securities is the way to go – more funding for the Team and less tax for us.”

Bruce Burton

US Sailing Foundation Trustee