Securities
Donors may enjoy substantial tax savings by transferring gifts of appreciated securities to Vassar. A gift of securities may be deducted at fair market value on the date of the transfer to the College. Gifts of long-term appreciated assets (securities owned for at least one year and one day) are particularly beneficial in terms of tax savings. In addition to receiving a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of such a gift, you completely avoid the capital gains tax and any sales commission that would be payable upon the sale of the security.
Procedures for Making a Gift of Appreciated Securities
Outright gifts of appreciated securities are handled by the Controller’s office at Vassar College. Before transferring or sending stock certificates, it is important to notify the College to ensure proper crediting.
Contact the Controller’s Office
In the case of electronic transfer, no donor name is attached, therefore, it is important that either you or your broker contact the Controller’s office or the development office to notify the College of your gift.
contact Vaike Riisenberg in the Controller’s Office by phone at 845-437-5896. She will need to know the name of the company, number of shares, the designation of the gift and the broker’s name and phone number.
You may also contact the Development Office for assistance at 1-800-443-8196.
A. Securities with a bank or broker
If your securities are with a bank or broker, you can transfer your shares to the College by DTC wire. You should instruct your broker to transfer the gift to Vassar College. Please remind your broker to include your name with the transaction or call the College after the transaction is made to inform us of who made the gift.
If the security is not held in paper, the stock can be transferred directly to Vassar’s account with Merrill Lynch:
Brokerage Firm number: #858-04072
Transfer code: DTC #5198
Contact person: Randy Crane (Poughkeepsie office: 845-431-2258)
B. Certificates in possession of the donor
If the certificates are in your possession, mail the unsigned certificates with a letter stating what is being given and the designation of the gift. In a separate envelope mail an endorsed stock power with a copy of the letter. The stock power should be signed and left blank (the form will be filled in by Vassar). Both can be mailed to:
Vaike Riisenberg
Box 12
Vassar College
124 Raymond Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604-0012
If the certificate is for more shares than you wish to give, the stock power should transfer the number of shares represented by the certificate. Indicate in your letter how many shares go to the College and how many shares should be returned to you. You must include your social security number in the letter so the certificate may be reissued in your name.
For any questions regarding transfer of securities contact Vaike Riisenberg in the Controller’s office at 845-437-5896.
Donor Privacy
Vassar College places the highest priority on protecting the privacy of our donors and holds all donor information in strict confidence. The College does not sell or trade a donor's personal information to any other entity. If you have questions or concerns about donor privacy, please contact Diane Sauter at 845-437-7547.