Despite any market uncertainty of late, many of your investments are likely still worth more today than what you originally paid for them. And if you sell, you would pay capital gains taxes at a maximum rate of 15 percent. But by using appreciated securities you’ve owned for more than one year as a charitable gift, you will receive two tax benefits:

1. You are entitled to a federal income tax deduction based on the current fair market value of the securities, regardless of their lower original cost.
2. You will be exempt from paying capital gains taxes on any increase in value—taxes you would pay if you were to sell the securities.

• Hand-deliver them to us
  
• Mail us the stocks and stock power separately

• Instruct your broker to electronically transfer your intended shares
  
• Ask your broker to notify us once the transfer is complete