If you’re a professional working in the tech sector or at a large corporation, your compensation package might include stock options or equity. These shares, whether from Microsoft, Amazon, or a startup, can be a powerful way to support causes you care about, like homelessness in King County. The question is, how does one use stock options to donate to organizations like Vision House?

A New Kind of Giving for a New Generation

Traditionally, charitable giving meant writing a check or entering a credit card number. But many professionals today have more wealth in assets than in their checking account. “A growing number of our donors are choosing to give from their investments,” said Bob Bowen with Vision House’s philanthropy team. “And that makes a tremendous difference - not just in the size of the gift, but in what that gift can accomplish.”

When donors contribute shares of stock, they can avoid capital gains taxes and still receive a tax deduction. What’s more, quarterly donations of appreciated stock can create sustained, strategic impact for our organization - without affecting the donor’s monthly cash flow.

For example, Microsoft employees can donate stock to Vision House through their company’s giving portal, and Microsoft will often match that gift up to a certain limit.* “It’s a win-win,” said Bob Bowen. “We receive the gift, and then an added match on top of that. A donor who gives $10,000 over the year could see their impact grow to $15,000. That’s real change for our families.”

*Please consult your HR department for the latest information on company matches.

What Your Stock Can Build

At Vision House, we can build lasting change with stock gifts. Just $60 provides one night of safety for a family. Multiply that by a quarterly gift of appreciated stock, and suddenly we’re not just offering shelter for the night. Your gift could provide several months of shelter, giving Vision House families the chance to stabilize their lives.

And when donors commit to these kinds of quarterly donations, they give more than safe housing and shelter. Gifts of stock are a form of planned giving, which allows Vision House to look beyond the current quarter. “We’re not just reacting to emergency needs,” said Bob Bowen. “We’re building something lasting. Something hopeful.”

Where Stocks Meet Stewardship

Whether you’re in your 20s or 50s, you don’t need to wait until retirement to make a difference. If you have stockholder shares that have appreciated over time, you can use those assets to support something close to your heart today.

Vision House has partnerships with faith-based financial advisors and organizations like the National Christian Foundation. We can help you connect with professionals who understand both your financial goals and your values. And we’ll ensure your gift is received, acknowledged, and appreciated – then put to work!

Your shares can do more than sit in a brokerage account. They can shelter a family. 

If you’re ready to learn how to use stock options to donate to organizations like Vision House, please reach out today! Whether it’s a one-time transfer or a recurring quarterly gift, we can help you get started. Schedule time with Bob Bowen or another Vision House Donor Advisor.