Gifts of Securities

Donating securities is a meaningful way to support Lehigh University, and it may also offer significant tax advantages. Securities may be contributed in one of two ways:

1. Electronic Transfer (Preferred Method)

If your securities are held at a brokerage firm, the easiest and fastest way to donate is through an electronic transfer. Lehigh maintains accounts with several major brokerage firms, including Wells Fargo Advisors, Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments, Merrill Lynch, and Vanguard.

To initiate a transfer:

  • Contact the Office of Finance and Administration at intreas@lehigh.edu or 610-758-3180 for brokerage account details and transfer instructions.

  • Submit the Stock Donation Intent Form to notify us of your planned gift.

    This method eliminates most paperwork and allows for prompt processing of your donation

2. Mail (via USPS)

If you hold physical stock certificates, please follow these steps:

A. Mail the unendorsed stock certificate to: Office of Finance and Administration, Lehigh University: 27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015. 

Include a signed letter of authorization permitting the University to accept the securities on your behalf. 

B. In a separate envelope, mail a signed stock power form for each security being donated.

Do not complete the stock power form; the University's broker will fill in the required details.

Sign the form exactly as your name appears on the certificate.

If more than one person is listed on the certificate, all owners must sign both the stock power and the letter of authorization.

Stock power forms are available from your broker, banker, the University’s Office of Finance and Administration or Development Office, or you may download the Stock Power form.
You can also use this Letter of Authorization template for your convenience.

Important Notes
  • Notify us of your donation
    Please contact the Office of Finance and Administration at 610-758-3180 to share details of your donation and designate the purpose of your gift.
  • Do not send securities to a corporate transfer agent
    This can result in significant delays in processing your gift.
  • Do not sell the stock yourself
    If you sell the securities and then donate the proceeds, you may be liable for capital gains tax.
  • Gift valuation
    A charitable gift of securities is considered complete on the "date of delivery":
    • For electronic transfers: when the stock is received in Lehigh’s brokerage account
    • For mailed certificates: on the postmark date
  • Tax advantages
    Donating appreciated securities may provide substantial tax benefits. When factoring in the charitable deduction and potential capital gains tax savings, the actual cost of your gift could be significantly less than a comparable cash contribution.

 

Gifts of Real Estate:

Gifts of real estate can be donated to the University in the form of undeveloped property, a personal residence, rental property, or commercial property. The owner of the property is entitled to an income tax deduction based on the appraised value of the property. The donor must submit a copy of a qualified appraisal with his/her income tax return for the year of the gift. Also, IRS Form 8283 must be submitted and signed by Lehigh acknowledging the gift.

There are several ways of making a gift of real estate to Lehigh. You may make an outright gift of your property or give Lehigh a part interest; sell your property to Lehigh at a price below market value, making a gift of the difference; or give your home to Lehigh, yet continue to live in it for life.

Lehigh carefully examines each piece of real estate prior to its acceptance as a gift in order to reduce the possibility of liability issues related to Lehigh owing the property.

Gifts of Life Insurance Policies:

Donating a life insurance policy is a meaningful way to support Lehigh University and may also offer valuable tax benefits. There are several ways to contribute a policy:

1. Donate a Fully Paid-Up Policy

If you own a life insurance policy that is fully paid and no longer needed for its original purpose, consider donating it to Lehigh.

  • By naming the University as the irrevocable owner and beneficiary, you may be eligible for a charitable income tax deduction.
  • The value of the deduction is generally based on your tax basis in the policy.
2. Donate a Partially Paid-Up Policy (Premiums Still Owed)

If you hold a policy that still requires premium payments:

  • You may receive a charitable deduction approximately equal to the policy’s current cash surrender value.
  • Future premium payments you make on behalf of the University may qualify for additional deductions.
3. Donate a New Policy

You may also purchase a new policy and designate Lehigh University as the irrevocable owner and beneficiary, provided that there is an insurable interest under applicable state law.

  • Your charitable deduction will generally be equal to the premiums you pay on the policy.
Important Note

Naming Lehigh University as the beneficiary—but not the owner—of a policy does not qualify for an immediate income tax deduction. However, it can still result in a significant future gift to the University and may help reduce estate taxes.

For more information on making donations to Lehigh University, including details on the University's Lehigh Fund and Planned Giving Program, please visit Giving to Lehigh.