Most people reach for the checkbook when they give. But the cash in your account may not be your most generous gift. If you own stock, real estate, or other assets that have grown in value, giving them to a faith-based charity can do more good and cost you less. It's one of the smartest ways to give, and many Catholic families across the East Valley have never been told it's even an option.
Why Giving Assets to a Faith-Based Charity Works
The Tax You Never Have to Pay
Sell an appreciated stock and you owe capital gains tax first. Then you donate whatever's left. Give that same stock directly to a faith based nonprofit and the tax step disappears. The full value goes to the mission. The IRS notes that you may generally deduct the fair market value of long-term property you donate. Your gift grows. Your tax bill shrinks.
More for the Mission
Picture a Scottsdale couple holding shares they bought twenty years ago. Selling first could cost them thousands in tax. Giving the shares instead sends the entire amount to the parish or ministry they love. That's the quiet math behind smart charitable giving in Phoenix, AZ.
What You Can Actually Give
Assets That Qualify
You have more to work with than you might think. Common non-cash gifts include:
Publicly traded stock and mutual fund shares
Real estate, including a second home or rental property
Certain closely held business interests
Always talk with your advisor first. Every situation is a little different.
How the Gift Reaches the Cause
A donor-advised fund makes the process simple. You contribute the asset, claim your deduction in that tax year, and recommend grants over time. From there, your support can reach the parishes, schools, and ministries served by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. It's a flexible way to donate to Catholic charities you already care about, on your own timeline.
Turning One Gift Into a Lasting Legacy
A Fund That Keeps Giving
Some gifts are spent once. An endowment isn't. When your appreciated asset helps establish a permanent fund, the principal stays invested and only the earnings are distributed each year. A single gift today can support a Catholic school for generations. That's what a lasting legacy looks like.
Rooted in Catholic Values
Where your gift is invested matters as much as where it lands. Unlike many charity organizations in Phoenix, AZ, the Catholic Community Foundation invests in alignment with Catholic moral teaching. Your generosity never works against your faith. It reflects it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to itemize to benefit from donating stock? A: The deduction generally helps most if you itemize, but avoiding capital gains tax can benefit you either way. Your tax advisor can confirm what fits your return.
Q: Is giving property complicated? A: Not with the right partner. The Foundation's team handles the paperwork, records, and receipts, so your gift stays simple from start to finish.
Give With Purpose
Your blessings can do more than you imagined, and often for less than you'd expect. Whether you're drawn to support a single ministry or build a legacy that lasts, giving through a trusted faith-based charity turns careful planning into lasting good. When you're ready to explore your options, our gift planning team is here to guide you. Reach out to the Catholic Community Foundation or call us at 480-651-8800 to start the conversation.