Give Stock. Save on Taxes. Change Lives.
What Is a Stock Donation?
A stock donation, also called a gift of appreciated securities, allows you to transfer shares of stock, mutual funds, or other securities directly to a nonprofit organization instead of selling them first and donating the cash proceeds.
For donors who hold stocks that have grown in value over time, this is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. Rather than triggering a capital gains tax event by selling, you donate the shares directly — and both you and Sharing Love & Hope benefit.
Why Donate Stock?
Donating appreciated stock instead of cash is one of the smartest charitable giving strategies available — and it’s simpler than most people think.
The benefits include:
✓ Avoid Capital Gains Tax
When you sell appreciated stock, you owe capital gains tax on the growth. When you donate it directly, that tax is eliminated entirely.
✓ Receive a Full Fair-Market-Value Deduction
You receive a charitable deduction for the full current value of the stock — not just what you originally paid for it.
✓ Your Gift Goes Further
Because the capital gains tax is eliminated, more of your investment reaches the people and families we serve. A $5,000 gift of appreciated stock may deliver significantly more impact than a $5,000 cash donation after taxes.
✓ Support a Cause That Matters Close to Home
Sharing Love & Hope is a faith-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, meaning your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Every dollar — and every share — goes directly toward serving veterans, families, children, and individuals in need across west-central Minnesota.
Your Gift, Your Community
Sharing Love & Hope was founded right here in Alexandria, Minnesota — born out of a simple act of kindness and a deep commitment to serving neighbors in need. From our Back Door Free Food Pantry to sewing projects, homeless packs, hygiene bags, and school supplies, every resource we provide stays local.
When you donate stock to Sharing Love & Hope, you are not writing a check to a distant organization. You are investing directly in your community — in the veterans who need support, the families who need a meal, and the children who need a little extra hope.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to Sharing Love & Hope are tax-deductible. You will receive a written tax receipt for your records upon completion of your transfer.
How to Donate Stock?
Donating stock to Sharing Love & Hope is a straightforward process. Please follow the steps below.
Step 1 — Contact your broker and request a stock transfer to Sharing Love & Hope. Questions about donating stock to S.L.H.? Contact Keith at 320-808-8319.
Step 2 — Please notify S.L.H. when you have completed your stock transfer request to your broker.
Step 3 — When you inform us of your stock gift, with your name, we can then send you a tax receipt for our records.
For questions specific to your personal tax situation, consult your tax advisor or financial professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of securities can I donate?
Most publicly traded stocks, mutual fund shares, and ETFs can be donated. Contact us or your financial advisor to confirm eligibility for your specific holdings.
Do I need to sell the stock before donating?
No — and you shouldn’t. The tax advantage of a stock gift comes specifically from donating the shares directly without selling first. Selling first and donating cash eliminates the capital gains benefit.
How do I know my donation was received?
Once your transfer is complete, contact Keith Schmidgall at (320) 808-8319 or keith@sharingloveandhope.org. We will confirm receipt and issue your tax acknowledgment.
Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes. After you notify us of your transfer and we confirm receipt, we will issue an official written tax receipt documenting the gift for your records.
Is Sharing Love & Hope a registered nonprofit?
Yes. Sharing Love & Hope is a faith-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
What if I have a small number of shares — is it still worth donating?
Absolutely. Any amount of appreciated stock — large or small — can be donated and still provides the same tax advantages proportionally. Every gift, at every size, directly serves our community.
Why must I notify you after the transfer?
Brokerage institutions transfer shares without identifying the donor to the receiving organization. If you do not contact us, we have no way to connect the transfer to your name, issue a receipt, or properly thank you for your generosity.
Sharing Love & Hope is a faith-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity. All contributions received shall be applied to any of our ongoing projects. If a specific project is designated, those contributions will be directly applied per your wishes.