Gifts of securities such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds are especially advantageous if you hold a security such as stock that has increased in value since you acquired it. By making a gift of stock held longer than one year, you completely avoid paying capital gains tax. In addition, you would receive an income tax deduction for the current market value of the gift. You may deduct gifts totaling up to 30% of your adjusted gross income in any year, with a five-year carry-over for any excess.

In order to facilitate the transfer and acknowledgment of your stock gift, please notify us of your name, the name of the stock and the number of shares being donated before you transfer the stocks. Of course, we will respect the wishes of donors who prefer not to have their name publicly disclosed. You may notify us by contacting Adrienne Shaw by phone at (202) 466-5188 ext. 108 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you hold stocks or bonds in certificate form, you may send the certificates via registered mail to EarthRights International at the address below. Please leave the back of the certificate blank and don't endorse it.

EarthRights International
Attn: Adrienne Shaw
1612 K Street, NW
Suite 401
Washington, DC 20016

Separately, in a second envelope via regular first-class mail, send us one stock power for each stock certificate. You may download a stock power form or obtain stock powers from your bank or broker. Be sure to sign the power exactly as you're listed on the face of the certificate.

When you fill out the stock power form(s), please leave the assignment blank to facilitate our selling the shares. You will need to sign each form and fill in the description of the stock. Enclose a dated letter which identifies the stock and includes your signature as it appears on the certificate and/or stock power.

Mutual funds make excellent gifts and offer the same tax benefits as gifts of stocks or bonds.
If your mutual funds are held by your broker or banker, or are in certificate form, please use the procedure for stocks or bonds explained above.

If your mutual funds are held by the fund company, you may write a dated letter to the fund, indicating your account number and instructing them to transfer the shares to:

EarthRights International
Tax identification number 04-3265555
Attn: Adrienne Shaw
1612 K Street, NW
Suite 401
Washington, DC 20006

Your letter should be signed and your signature guaranteed by your broker or banker. Enclose a copy of your latest statement if possible.

Send your letter by certified mail (and return receipt requested if you would like to have proof of its delivery). Please send a copy of your authorization to Adrienne Shaw to notify us of your gift.

Note: Most mutual fund companies have a toll-free number for shareholder questions. You may want to call them to confirm the above procedure before mailing your authorization letter.

For more information on gifts of stocks, bonds or mutual funds, please contact Adrienne Shaw, Individual Gifts & Events Coordinator, at 202-466-5188 ext. 108 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it