Giving stock to FOCUS North America is a powerful way to make a difference while maximizing personal financial benefits. When you donate stock, you support FOCUS’ vital work in serving our brothers and sisters in need across America, as well as the work of the Church through parish engagement and volunteer opportunities. 

Donating appreciated stock offers significant tax advantages and other benefits:

• Avoid Capital Gains Tax: By donating stock that has increased in value over time, you avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation. Normally, selling the stock would trigger this tax. By donating directly, both you and FOCUS avoid the liability.
• Receive a Charitable Deduction: You can take a tax deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time of donation which can help offset your income taxes, provided you’ve held the stock for at least one year. This allows you to give more at a lower cost to yourself.
• Maximize Your Impact: Since you avoid capital gains taxes and still receive the deduction, you are often able to donate a larger sum than if you had sold the stock and then given cash.
• Give With Flexibility: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities are a non-cash option for supporting FOCUS’ mission. Many donors find that giving stock is a more flexible option than writing a check or donating cash.

• Tailor Your Gift Size: Whether large or small, stock donations allow you to tailor your giving to meet both your financial goals and philanthropic desires. By donating shares of stock, you can give in increments or as a one-time, substantial contribution.
• Diversify Your Giving: Stock donations allow you to diversify the assets you give to charity, reducing dependency on cash and enabling more strategic philanthropy. This allows you to contribute in a way that aligns with your overall financial portfolio and investment strategy.

SIMPLE TRANSFER PROCESS

Donating stock to FOCUS North America is a simple and straightforward process. Once you’ve decided to make the donation, you only need to work with your broker or financial advisor to complete three easy steps! We are happy to offer assistance to ensure the transfer is smooth, ensuring that your gift arrives promptly and is put to use right away: 

Step One: Initiate the Stock Transfer

• Securities can be gifted to FOCUS in two ways: either via electronic transfer (your broker transfers shares using the FOCUS DTC number) or by physically mailing the paper certificates to FOCUS. Either method is acceptable, but it is necessary for you to contact your broker to initiate the transfer. Please see the attached sample letter for your use.
  
  

Step Two: Send the Securities to FOCUS North America

• If Sending Electronically:
  
  • Below please find FOCUS’ securities receiving account information:
    
    Bank name: PNC Investments
    DTC#: 0226
    FBO: Focus North America
    Account #: 097-082728
    Clearing house: National Financial Services (NFS)
    
    
• If Sending by Registered Mail:
  
  • Mail your UNENDORSED certificate(s) with a Stock Power Form, and a Stock Waiver Form in separate envelopes, by registered mail, to:
    
    FOCUS North America
    Attn: Gift Processing Unit
    600 N. Bell Ave.
    Bldg. 1, suite 115
    Carnegie, PA 15106

NOTE: Certificates already registered in the name of FOCUS North America do not require either the stock waiver or stock power for execution of the transfer.

Step Three:  Notify FOCUS of the donation

• Each time a gift of stock is donated, via any method chosen to deliver a gift of stock, information about the gift for audit and acknowledgment purposes is needed. Kindly let us know about your donation by contacting FOCUS toll free at: 866-267-3083 ext. 702 or via email at JavaScript required to view address.