Smart giving that changes lives: Give appreciated assets

Your gifts to the University of Minnesota fuel learning, strengthen teaching and accelerate breakthroughs in research. When you donate assets that have increased in value, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds or real estate, you can turn financial growth into life-changing opportunities.

Giving appreciated assets to the University of Minnesota can be more beneficial than giving cash:

  • You can receive a charitable income tax deduction for the current fair market value of the asset, subject to applicable AGI limits.
  • You avoid the capital gains tax on the appreciation that would be due upon sale.

You can carry forward any unclaimed portion of the deduction for up to five years, subject to the annual limit. You can also give appreciated assets to fund a gift for the University that will pay lifetime income to you or others you choose.

The University of Minnesota Foundation Office of Gift Planning can work alongside you and your advisors to help you explore your options, create a tax-efficient plan and make sure your gift achieves the impact you envision.

February 2026
 

More stories

Every donor’s story is unique, and the University of Minnesota Foundation provides several ways to turn your generosity into impact for the students, research and programs you care about most.

If you’ve already included the University of Minnesota in your will, trust or by beneficary designation — thank you! We hope you will share your gift with us.

Join us to learn how you can create an estate plan that reflects your wishes. The presentation will cover these and related topics: