Help Others the Fiscally Smart Way

Donating stock to Second Harvest Heartland is a meaningful, effective way to end hunger in our community. It makes good financial sense, too. Giving stock held more than 12 months offers a two-fold tax savings. 

First, you avoid paying capital gains tax on the increase in value of your stock. In addition, you receive a tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift. Subtracting the tax savings from what you originally paid for the stock can result in a gift that costs just pennies on the dollar. This is an excellent option for stock that has appreciated substantially in value.

Stock brokers require instructions in writing. Click here to download the fill-in form. You will need to provide one copy of the form to your stock broker, and mail or email one copy to us at Second Harvest Heartland (address and email provided on the form).

If you are transferring a mutual fund asset, please contact Gavin Burns at 612.782.1526  BEFORE initiating that transaction. Mutual funds require special handling

It is important to notify Second Harvest Heartland when you have completed your request to your broker to ensure that your gift is properly credited. To do this, or if you have any questions, please call Jen Gareis, Advancement Services and Donor Relations Manager at 651.209.7969.

IRA Contribution Information

On December 16, 2010, Congress passed the 2010 Reid-McConnell Tax Relief bill. This decision provides two important provisions stand out for immediate giving opportunities:

1. Extensions of tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans for charitable purposes. The bill extends for two years (through 2011) the provision that permits tax-free distributions to charity from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) of up to $100,000 per taxpayer, per taxable year. The bill allows individuals to make charitable transfers during January 2011 and treat them as if made during 2010. The individual must be at least 70 1/2 years old at the time the distribution is made. The charitable distribution from the IRA of up to $100,000 can count towards the individual's Required Minimum Distribution for the year. Because the charitable distribution is not a taxable withdrawal from the IRA, it does not generate a charitable contribution deduction for the donor.
2. Extensions of enhanced charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory. The bill extends for two years (through 2011) the provision allowing businesses to claim an enhanced deduction for the contribution of food inventory.

For your particular circumstances, please consult your professional tax advisor. For questions regarding making a gift to Second Harvest Heartland, contact us.