Happy Thanksgiving week! Today’s blog post is the fourth and final installment of our 2025 series focusing on Generosity. How appropriate that we are discussing generosity again during this wonderful week where we celebrate Thanksgiving!
For many years we have witnessed the impact of being thankful as the catalyst of the following formula that has enriched people’s lives:
Being Thankful + Living with Gratitude = A Life of Generosity
Two weeks ago, Lyle used the analogy of a fountain to serve as a “word picture” to illustrate generosity. In last week’s blog post, Jon shared some beautiful, timeless truths about generosity founded in Biblical wisdom.
Today we will look at a giving strategy that can enhance your capacity to give and increase the benefits you also receive from giving. Let’s call it – Creative Generosity!
Unlocking More Impact: The Benefits of Donating Investment Shares
When it comes to charitable giving, most people instinctively reach for their checkbook. But there’s another option – often overlooked – that can significantly amplify your impact while offering meaningful financial benefits: donating appreciated investment security shares.
Gifting investment shares (stock, ETFs, mutual funds, etc.) directly to a nonprofit, or to a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to support the causes you care about.
Instead of selling your shares and then donating the cash, you simply transfer the investment itself. The charity receives the full-market value, and you may enjoy two key advantages:
1. Elimination of the capital gains tax
If your shares have grown in value, selling them typically triggers capital gains tax. By donating them instead, you avoid that tax entirely – meaning more of your gift goes directly to the organization, not to the IRS.
2. Receiving a potentially sizeable charitable deduction
If you itemize deductions, you can often claim the fair market value of the shares on the transfer date of the gift(s). This can further reduce your taxable income while allowing you to contribute in a larger, more impactful way.
Beyond the financial benefits, donating investment shares is a thoughtful way to extend the life of a smart investment decision – turning your portfolio’s growth into meaningful ministry and community impact.
If you’re looking to make a difference in a strategic, tax-savvy way, consider adding investment shares to your charitable giving toolkit. Sometimes the most powerful gifts aren’t written on a paper check – they’ve been growing within your investment portfolio, over time.
If you would like to explore this giving strategy, or if you have any other questions after reading this post, please contact us today.
Happy Thanksgiving! A Time of Gratitude and Reflection
This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on being thankful, we are so grateful for the privilege to work with you, our Master’s clients, friends, and professional partners. Thank you for the trust and confidence you place in us; we don’t take that lightly! We greatly value our relationship with each of you.
May you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving season, spending time with family and friends. And may you take time to be thankful, filled with gratitude, and experience the joy of generosity!
– From the team at Master’s
