WAYS TO GIVE

DONATE STOCKS

A meaningful way to give, a thoughtful way to plan

Have you considered making a gift of publicly traded stocks and securities? If you hold stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have grown in value over time, donating them directly to the OCH Foundation can be a powerful way to support families while also being tax-efficient.

A gift of securities is a deeply personal decision, often connected to long-term planning or important life moments. If you’re considering this option and would like to explore it further, our team would be happy to connect. We’re here to provide information, answer any questions you may have, and support you in whatever way feels most comfortable for you.

How does donating stocks and securities work?

When you sell stocks and securities, you are typically taxed on 50% of the capital gain. However, when you transfer them directly to a registered charity:

  • You do not pay capital gains tax on the appreciated value.
  • You receive a charitable tax receipt for the full fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer.
  • The charitable tax receipt can be used to help offset your income taxes.

This can allow you to make a larger gift than if you first sold the securities and then donated the after-tax proceeds.

Is a gift of securities right for you?

You may wish to explore this option if:

  • You hold publicly traded securities that have increased in value.
  • You are planning a larger one-time gift.
  • You are reviewing your year-end tax planning.
  • You want to maximize your impact while being tax-smart.

Every donor’s situation is unique. We strongly encourage you to speak with your financial advisor or tax professional to understand how this strategy applies to you.

Example: Donating Securities vs. Donating Cash

Imagine someone purchased shares for $50,000 that are now worth $100,000, resulting in a capital gain of $50,000.

If the shares are sold prior to donating, 50% of the capital gain ($25,000) is taxable. Taxes are paid on that amount and only the remaining proceeds are donated.

If the shares are transferred directly to the OCH Foundation, no capital gains tax is payable. A charitable tax receipt is issued for the full $100,000 fair market value. The donor may receive a significantly greater tax benefit. Depending on the donor’s tax rate, the difference can be substantial, both in tax savings and in the impact created for people living in OCH communities.

Please note: This example is simplified for illustration. Always consult your legal or tax advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Why this matters

When you donate stocks and securities to the OCH Foundation, you are investing directly in opportunity. Your gift helps sustain and grow programs that provide bursaries for post-secondary students, provide children and youth with year-round access to recreation, support mentorship and employment training opportunities for youth and help people build stability and thrive. For the 33,000+ tenants living in OCH communities, your generosity creates real, measurable change.

We’re here to help

Because gifts of securities involve coordination with financial institutions, we recommend contacting us before initiating a transfer. We can:

  • Provide our brokerage information
  • Share a simple step-by-step transfer form
  • Coordinate with your advisor if desired
  • Ensure your gift is processed smoothly and acknowledged promptly
  • Most importantly, we are here to have a conversation, confidentially and without pressure.

If you are considering a gift of securities, please reach out to Annie Premachuk, Manager of Partnerships & Innovation. We would be honoured to speak with you about how your investment can help individuals across our city thrive.