Donations
Planned Giving - Stocks

Donations of stocks help MAS!

Some Madison Audubon Society members and friends have chosen to support our work by donating gifts of appreciated securities. In addition to providing Madison Audubon with the crucial financial support needed to carry on our work with education, advocacy, and land preservation and restoration, these donors have saved on capital gains taxation on their appreciated securities.

We ask you to consider the possibility of making such a donation of stocks. The main points to be aware of are:

  1. The stock should be stock that is long term i.e. has been owned for at least 1 year, and has appreciated in value since it was acquired.
  2. The stock should be transferred to the Madison Audubon Society's account before it is sold otherwise it will be subject to capital gains taxes.
  3. If the stock is at a loss, it should be sold first and then the money should be gifted (this entitles the person to write off the loss).
You can generally take a deduction of up to 30% of your adjusted gross income in any one year. What is not used in the first years can be carried over for up to 5 years or until the deduction is used up. We recommend that you consult with your attorney or tax advisor for the various tax benefits and restrictions that may apply to your specific situation.

Please call our Development Director, Dietrich Schaaf at 327-0129 or email him at cdsaudubon@hotmail.com for more information on donation of stocks and other planned giving opportunities. Madison Audubon Society’s future depends on the partnerships we form today.