Appreciated Securities. If you donate marketable securities that have increased in value, you pay no capital gains tax on the transaction and are entitled to a charitable deduction for the full fair market value. To preserve the tax advantages, you have to transfer the securities to us rather than the proceeds from a sale.
Depreciated Securities. If you have securities that have decreased in value, you should sell the investment yourself and realize the loss for tax purposes, rather than donate it directly to us. You can then donate the cash proceeds and take a charitable deduction.