What to Give
Seattle Foundation can accept a wide range of assets to fund philanthropic giving, from the most commonly used to some highly complex assets. This page provides an overview of what we accept most commonly. For questions about a specific type of asset you would like to donate, please reach out to Cindy Sharek, Director of Gift Planning, at [email protected] or 206-957-7712.
Publicly Traded Stock
Seattle Foundation?s most commonly donated asset is stock, specifically appreciated stock. In general, assets with a low cost basis are good ones to donate, and many Seattleites have highly appreciated stock portfolios. A gift of stock is thus both simple and tax advantaged.
Cash
Cash tends to be the least advantageous (from a tax perspective) gift to donate ? however, we do accept cash, as a wire transfer, EFT, or check.
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds range in their ease of liquidation, which can impact how easily they can be donated. Seattle Foundation?s Gift Planning can partner with you to understand the mutual funds you have in your possession and helping navigate next steps to donate them.
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
IRAs are an incredible gift to leave to charity, and a difficult one to leave to human beneficiaries. Where possible, we counsel donors to consider strategies for leveraging retirement accounts for charitable good. This might mean lifetime donations, through a QCD, or leaving a retirement account or account(s) to a new or existing charitable fund at Seattle Foundation.
Private Stock
Whether as part of sale of a business or not, donations of private stock can be highly effective as a tax planning strategy. Seattle Foundation partners with you and your advisors to receive and liquidate the stock, investing the funds in the charitable vehicle of your choosing.
Real Estate
Many Seattleites have an appreciated asset in real estate: whether their primary residence, rental property, or commercial. Seattle Foundation executes upon the sale of the property you wish to donate, ensuring a solid deduction and avoiding capital gains. We manage the details, while you see the charitable benefit on the other side.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is another asset that can be highly appreciated with a low cost basis (depending on how and when it was acquired) ? making it a good fit to donate. Seattle Foundation?s wallet system easily accepts cryptocurrency to fund the charitable giving of your choosing.
Tangible Personal Property
Tangible personal property is an umbrella category for ?stuff!? It might be art, another special collection, wine... anything that has significant appraised value. Seattle Foundation will work with you to ensure that your valuable property is sold and the proceeds donated to the charitable purpose of your choosing. We handle the nitty gritty of auctions and other partnerships with vendors, leading to a meaningful charitable contribution at the end.
Insurance
Gifts of insurance, particularly life insurance, can be a smart and strategic way to support charity. We will work with you on a new policy or an existing policy to ensure you get the right benefits, while maximizing your charitable aims.