Why give a gift of stocks?
Making a gift of publicly-listed securities such as stocks or mutual fund units to Amnesty International can offer an attractive investment in a better future for people everywhere. There are now significant tax advantages in donating your shares in stocks or options directly to a charity like Amnesty International, rather than selling the shares and donating the proceeds.
A charitable donation of publicly-traded securities such as stocks, mutual funds, bonds or futures results in a tax receipt for 100% of the value of the gift on the day of the transfer. By providing a larger potential deduction than an equivalent gift of cash, this option allows you to maximize your charitable giving. How to make a gift of stocks The most effective way to donate stocks or securities to Amnesty International is to have the shares electronically transferred from your brokerage account to Amnesty International’s account.
How much can I give?
Use our online gift calculator to find out the benefits of your donation
You can make a long-lasting difference and receive significant tax benefits when you support Amnesty International. Learn how using our new online calculator.
Tax advantages of gifts of stock:
As of May 2, 2006, you are exempted from any capital gains tax on a charitable gift of publicly traded stocks or securities.
For example, you might wish to make a charitable gift of $10,000 by selling or donating stocks that cost you $4,000 to purchase, with a capital gain of $6,000. If you sell the stocks and donate the proceeds, you would claim a charitable tax credit for your donation but would also be assessed capital gains tax on 50% of the increase in value of the stocks. By donating the stocks directly to Amnesty International, you get the charitable tax credit for the donation and you are exempted from any capital gains tax. The direct donation option in the example provided would result in a reduction in capital gains tax of up to $1,400, depending on your tax bracket. (Source: Department of Finance Canada, Budget 2006, Eliminating Capital Gains Tax on Donations to Charities (May 2, 2006).
The following links will provide you with all the information you will need to give a gift of stocks or securities.
Gift of Stock donation form
Transfer information for your broker
Information sheet on gifts of stocks
For more information about your donation of stocks, please contact: Naqib Sarwary by email or at
416 363-9933 ext.339
A gift of appreciated securities is a highly tax-effective gift option, whether given today or in the future through a bequest in your will.
