Gift of Appreciated Securities

A Tax-Savvy Way to Benefit from Growing Assets

Securities and mutual funds that have increased in value and been held for more than one year are popular assets to use when making a gift to the American Museum of Natural History. Making a gift of securities or mutual funds offers you the chance to support our work while realizing important benefits for yourself.

When you donate appreciated securities or mutual funds in support of our mission, you can reduce or even eliminate federal capital gains taxes on the transfer. You may also be entitled to a federal income tax charitable deduction based on the fair market value of the securities at the time of the transfer.

Securities are most often used to support our work in the form of:

An outright gift. When you donate securities to the Museum, you receive the same income tax savings that you would if you wrote a check, but with the added benefit of eliminating capital gains taxes on the transfer, which can be as high as 20%.

A transfer on death (TOD) account.* By placing a TOD designation on your brokerage or investment account, that account will be paid to one or more persons or charities after your lifetime.

Additional ways to fund your gift:

*State laws govern transfer on death accounts. Please consult with your bank representative or investment advisor if you are considering this gift.

Start Today

Visit our free, no-obligation tool to make a statement for the Museum through your stocks. Our trusted partner, Giving Docs has a safe and secure resource just for you.

Free Resource

Calculate Your Benefits

Submit a few details and see which gift is right for you.

See My Benefits

Personal Estate Planning Kit

Our Top Free Resource

This comprehensive estate planning kit helps you protect your family and establish your legacy. FREE!

Download My Kit

Next Steps

  1. Contact Christine Huron at 212-769-5286 or churon@amnh.org for additional information on appreciated securities.
  2. Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
  3. If you include the Museum in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID:

Legal name: American Museum of Natural History
Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
Federal tax ID number: 13-6162659

Discover More

Personal Estate Planning Kit

Our Top Free Resource

This comprehensive estate planning kit helps you protect your family and establish your legacy. FREE!

Download My Kit