Don't sell stock first and then give The Nature Conservancy the proceeds. Even though you are making a gift, the IRS will impose capital gains tax on your sale, eliminating a key tax benefit of this giving technique.

Also, don't contribute securities that have declined in value. The fair-market deduction rule works against you: if you bought the stock for $50,000 and it's now worth $30,000, your charitable deduction will be limited to $30,000. You won't earn a capital loss by making the transfer to us, either. Instead, sell the depreciated stock, claim the resulting tax loss as one deduction, then make a deductible cash gift to The Nature Conservancy with the proceeds.

Please note that non publicly traded securities receive special attention and may take longer to transfer. Please contact us to discuss options.