When stock is donated, it must be acknowledged by the church. It can be posted on the person’s giving record so that there is permanent record of the gift. It is also an excellent practice to send the donor a separate letter with the details of the transaction. Below is a sample letter which I use regularly.
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
1234 Maple Ave.
Hometown, US 12345-6789
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith:
Thank you for your contribution to Grace Family Fellowship. Your gift of stock was:
Name of stock:……………………………………….. Apple, Inc. (AAPL)
Number of shares:………………………………….. 25 shares
Date of transfer:…………………………………….. January 3, 2018
Stock high on date of transfer:…………………………… $412.50
Stock low on date of transfer:……………………………. $409.00
Average value per share on date of transfer:………. $410.75
Total value of contribution:…………………………… $10,268.75
Fund contributed to:
- 2018 Operating Ministry Budget
The date of transfer is the date on which the stock was transferred to Grace Family Fellowship. The IRS requires that stock gifts be valued at the average of the high and low of the stock on the date of transfer. Grace Family Fellowship sells all stock gifts immediately. The cost of the commission and fees related to the sale is netted from the value of your gift.
For IRS purposes, I must inform you that the gifts contained in this letter are based on intangible religious benefits. You did not receive any goods or services from Grace Family Fellowship for this contribution.
Thank you again for your gift. Your continued support of the ministries of Grace Family Fellowship is greatly appreciated. If I may be of further help please let me know.
Sincerely,
Church Administrator
Lead On!