Support Wikipedia with a gift of securities
Making a gift of securities (stock, bonds, or mutual funds) can be one of the most tax-savvy ways to support our mission.
A gift of appreciated securities such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly to the Wikimedia Foundation makes a bigger impact compared to donating cash or selling stocks first and then contributing the proceeds. By making a gift via this method, you not only increase your tax deduction but maximize the impact of your gift.
How do I make a gift of securities or stock to the Wikimedia Foundation?
There are two ways you can donate appreciated securities/stock to Wikimedia Foundation.
- Through our quick and secure online stock giving tool, Overflow.
- Provide your broker with our name and account information to submit your transfer from your brokerage account.
Find out more about each option below to see which you prefer.
Donate stock online via Overflow
Through our partner, Overflow, it’s now easier and more secure to make a stock donation than ever. You can make a stock donation in less than 5 minutes from your mobile phone or computer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Overflow to donate stock.
When we get notice that the stock has been liquidated, we will generate an acknowledgment letter that includes the number of shares, stock name, and the date the stock was received.
If you have any questions please see our FAQs below or contact us at donate@wikimedia.org.
For reference, Wikimedia Foundation’s Tax ID is as follows: 20-0049703.
Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we use Zendesk as a donor response platform. By emailing donate@wikimedia.org, you understand that your information will be processed by the Zendesk Group in accordance with Zendesk’s terms. Users from the following countries should consult Section A of Zendesk’s privacy policy for more information about Zendesk’s country-specific practices: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Donate through your broker
To move stock directly from your brokerage to ours, please give the broker our name and account information listed below.
- Bank name/Broker: Bank of America
- Account name: Wikimedia Foundation – Gift Account
- Account number: 16-200-2942639
- DTC number: 0955
- Tax ID: 20-0049703
- Broker contact details: If you require any assistance making a stock donation, please contact: Avi Cohen at Bank of America: avi.cohen@bofa.com
When the transaction is complete, please let us know the stock name and number of shares and we can verify the transaction and issue a thank you letter and tax receipt for your gift. You can do so by emailing donate@wikimedia.org.
Please note it can take up to several weeks for the stock to be credited to our account and for us to receive notice. When we get notice that the stock has been received, we will generate an acknowledgment letter that includes the number of shares, stock name, and the date the stock was received.
Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we use Zendesk as a donor response platform. By emailing donate@wikimedia.org, you understand that your information will be processed by the Zendesk Group in accordance with Zendesk’s terms. Users from the following countries should consult Section A of Zendesk’s privacy policy for more information about Zendesk’s country-specific practices: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore.
What your donation makes possible
Wikipedia is not funded through advertising, and we don’t sell your data for profit. Instead, we rely on donors — people who find value in the free knowledge and resources we provide. This means Wikipedia remains neutral, trusted, and free from commercial interests. Watch our video to learn more.
Still have questions?
Please find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you’re unable to find what you are looking for here, you can browse our general FAQs or contact us at donate@wikimedia.org.
Making a gift of appreciated securities involves transferring ownership of publicly traded stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have increased in value since purchase to a charitable organization such as the Wikimedia Foundation, rather than selling them and donating the after-tax proceeds. There are many benefits to this approach, including:
- Avoid capital gains taxes: You eliminate taxes on any appreciation in value.
- Tax deduction: You can deduct the fair market value of your securities donation on your tax return, potentially reducing your taxable income.
- Additional deductions: You can deduct up to 30% of your adjusted gross income, with the option to carry unused deductions forward for up to 5 years.
Donating appreciated securities directly to charity allows you to avoid paying capital gains taxes and the Medicare surtax, which can amount to nearly 25%. This means your donation can go much further than if you sold the securities, paid taxes, and donated the remaining amount.
There are two simple ways to donate stock to the Wikimedia Foundation:
Online donation: Use the secure Overflow platform for fast and easy donations. You can complete the process in under 5 minutes, without needing to contact your broker.
Electronic transfer: You can transfer securities directly from your brokerage account to the Wikimedia Foundation. Details for the transfer are provided on our website.
When the transaction is complete, please let us know the stock name and number of shares and we can verify the transaction and issue a thank you letter and tax receipt for your gift. You can do so by emailing donate@wikimedia.org.
Please note it can take up to several weeks for the stock to be credited to our account and for us to receive notice. When we get notice that the stock has been received, we will generate an acknowledgment letter that includes the number of shares, stock name, and the date the stock was received.
Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we use Zendesk as a donor response platform. By emailing donate@wikimedia.org, you understand that your information will be processed by the Zendesk Group in accordance with Zendesk’s terms. Users from the following countries should consult Section A of Zendesk’s privacy policy for more information about Zendesk’s country-specific practices: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Please note: This page is for informational purposes only. It does not contain financial or investment advice. Please consult a certified tax professional in your locality to determine if your donation is tax-deductible.
Photo credits
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Wikimedia Foundation
