Many people are taking a close look at their stock portfolios and other investments. The current market conditions, tax law changes, and other factors all suggest that diligent oversight of our own financial affairs should be a priority. While you may consider cutbacks in your personal budget, don't lose sight of the power you can feel by continuing to give to causes that represent your values and hopes.

A gift of stock, bonds or mutual funds to The Wilderness Society is a wonderful way to make a strong commitment to conservation and the preservation of America's most precious wild places. There may also be tax advantages for you.

• If you hold stock that has appreciated in value over the long haul, it may be the right time to consider transferring the stock as a charitable gift. Assuming that you have held the stock more than one year, you will get an income tax deduction for the full fair market value. And, you will completely avoid capital gains tax.

• A "balanced sale" is another option. You can sell some shares of an appreciated stock and donate others. The tax deduction you would get for donating some of the shares can be used to offset the reportable gain on the sale of the remaining shares. Working with a financial advisor, you can calculate the optimal number of shares you would need to donate to offset the gain on a sale you are considering.

• If you hold stock that has decreased in value since you purchased it, you can sell the stock and realize a capital loss that can be used to offset realized capital gains and up to $3,000 of ordinary income. When you donate the cash proceeds from the sale of the stock to The Wilderness Society, you can then take an income tax deduction for the full amount of the donation.

Important Information About Gifts of Stock

1. You must have held a security for more than one year in order to take a deduction for the full fair market value.
2. Cumulative gifts of transferred securities are deductible up to 30% of adjusted gross income. Unused deductions may be used for up to five future tax years.
3. If you transfer stock certificates, be sure to send the unendorsed certificates to The Wilderness Society by registered mail. In a separate envelope, send a signed stock power (available from us or from your financial services provider). Please call The Wilderness Society (1-800-843-9453) for more complete instructions if you wish to transfer stock certificates.
4. If you transfer securities through a broker or financial services provider ("street name"), the gift is not complete until the stock is transferred to The Wilderness Society's account.

For any additional questions or to receive transfer instructions, please call Bethany Luna at The Wilderness Society, 202-429-2684, or email Bethany_Luna@tws.org.

Thank you for considering a gift of stock!

The Wilderness Society is a charitable organization exempt from taxation under section 501 c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.