Contributing appreciated NON-CASH ASSETS can maximize charitable impact Here's how your appreciated assets, held for
more than one year, could be great donations.
A new appreciation for non-cash assets

Most of America’s wealth is held in appreciated, non-cash assets, and many donors don’t know the potential benefits of contributing these assets to charity.

Americans
0%

of donations are in the form of cash or checks

The 2016 U.S. Trust Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy

Look beyond cash to boost impact

Appreciated investments could be an important and beneficial part of a donor’s overall philanthropic wealth management strategy.

0%

of contributions to Schwab Charitable were non-cash assets

As of December 31, 2018

20%

Many donors find they’re able to give up to 20% more to charity because of the potential to eliminate capital gains tax.1

Understand the advantages of contributing non-cash assets

Assets that have appreciated in value can be among the most tax-advantaged items to contribute to charity for donors who itemize their deductions and may potentially result in even more resources for the donor’s favorite causes.

Minimize taxes, maximize impact
  • Claim a same-year fair market value (FMV) deduction, if you itemize
  • Potentially eliminate capital gains tax, increasing some donors’ ability to give up to 20% more to their favorite causes.2
Learn more about different types of non-cash contributions
Recognize the best time to donate non-cash assets
Individual
Business owner
Concentrated position

Individuals heavily invested in a security may
consider contributing some of those assets to
reduce the position in their portfolio.

Diversification

Those looking to diversify wealth may
want to contribute a portion of their
private business interests.

Estate planning

Those with significant wealth and/or a
taxable estate may consider contributing
part of their holdings.

Windfalls

Business owners with a liquidation event
on the horizon may want to donate a
portion of their ownership stake.

How to donate in an efficient way Donating appreciated non-cash assets, held for more than one year, to charity is as easy as 1-2-3 using a donor-advised fund, such as a Schwab Charitable account.
  • Donate appreciated non-cash assets to account
  • Schwab Charitable liquidates the assets into funds for charity
  • Qualify for a FMV deduction, if itemizing
  • Potentially eliminate capital gains tax
  • Invest funds via a core or professionally managed account
  • Rebalance investments at any time
  • Gain the potential for growth over time, which allows for bigger grants
  • Recommend grants to any 501(c)(3) charity
  • Grant immediately or over time
  • Grant as often as you like and set up recurring grants for long-term, sustainable support
The result: tax-smart giving that’s good for the donor and the cause
Donors

Realize tax benefits; give more; maximize charitable giving
impact; make a difference

Donor-advised fund
Causes

Charities potentially get more substantial donations and long-term support

We help turn your assets into impact.

For 20 years, Schwab Charitable has helped many donors, advisors and charities understand specific circumstances and considerations for converting appreciated assets into tax-effective charitable contributions via a donor-advised fund account.

Let Schwab Charitable make it easy for you Donating certain non-cash assets can be complex. Contact us.
Donors

Learn how to get started with a
donor-advised fund account

Advisors

Talk to a Schwab Charitable
Relationship Manager for more
information

Charities

Learn more about how donor-advised funds help support giving by liquidating non-cash assets for charitable causes


  1. Some donors may be able to give up to 20% more when donating appreciated non-cash assets, held for more than one year, to a donor-advised fund.
  2. Donors should consult with their tax advisor to determine the appropriate holding period. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in 2017, carried interest income from investments held for less than three years may be taxed as a short-term capital gain. Individual circumstances may vary, and those interested in donating appreciated securities to charity should consult with a tax advisor about their particular situation.

A donor’s ability to claim itemized deductions is subject to a variety of limitations depending on the donor’s specific tax situation. Consult your tax advisor for more information.

Gifts of appreciated property can involve complicated tax analysis and advanced planning.

Schwab Charitable Fund™ is recognized as a tax-exempt public charity as described in Sections 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions made to Schwab Charitable Fund are considered an irrevocable gift and are not refundable. Please be aware that Schwab Charitable has exclusive legal control over the assets you have contributed. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is correct, Schwab Charitable cannot guarantee its accuracy. This information is not provided to the IRS.

Schwab Charitable is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund, an independent nonprofit organization. Schwab Charitable Fund has entered into service agreements with certain affiliates of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

©2019 Schwab Charitable Fund. All rights reserved.

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