College Hunger
Promoting College Excellence through comprehensive Basic Needs Support. Serving Students From San Fernando Valley to Long Beach!
Donate Stocks
Donate Stocks to Student LunchBox
Maximize Your Tax Benefits, Maximize Your Impact
If you hold appreciated stock, donating it directly to Student LunchBox is one of the most financially efficient gifts you can make — to yourself and to the thousands of college students we serve across Los Angeles County. By transferring securities instead of selling them first and donating cash, you eliminate capital gains tax entirely while receiving a full fair market value deduction.
It takes less than 15 minutes through our partner platform, Every.org. And every dollar of your donation's full market value reaches our students — not the IRS.
Why Donating Appreciated Stock Is the Smartest Way to Give
When you sell appreciated stock and then donate the proceeds, you pay capital gains tax on the gain — potentially 15–20% at the federal level, plus California state taxes, which can exceed 13%. That means a meaningful portion of your intended gift never reaches the cause you care about.
When you donate the stock directly to Student LunchBox — a 501(c)3 nonprofit — you sidestep capital gains entirely. You receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift, up to 30% of your adjusted gross income (with a five-year carryover for any excess). The math is unambiguous: a direct stock gift is worth more to you and more to our students than an equivalent cash gift.
Example: You purchased 100 shares of a stock for $10,000 five years ago. Today, those shares are worth $25,000. If you sell and donate cash, you may owe capital gains tax on $15,000 of appreciation — potentially $2,250 to $4,500 in taxes — before your gift reaches us. If you donate the shares directly, Student LunchBox receives the full $25,000 value, you deduct the full $25,000, and you pay zero capital gains tax.
How to Donate Stock to Student LunchBox (Step by Step)
Step 1: Click "Donate Stock" below.
You'll be directed to our secure Every.org donation page. Select "Stocks" as your donation method.
Step 2: Enter your stock details
Provide the ticker symbol, number of shares, and your brokerage information. Every.org will generate the exact transfer instructions for your broker
Step 3: Instruct your broker.
Contact your brokerage firm and provide the transfer instructions from Every.org. Most brokers can complete the transfer within 3–5 business days. Every.org's DTC participant number and account details are provided in your donation flow.
Step 4: Receive your tax receipt.
Once the shares are received and
liquidated, Every.org sends you an instant, IRS-compliant tax receipt documenting your charitable contribution. No additional paperwork required on your end.
Step 5: Your gift reaches students.
Every.org converts your donated shares to USD and grants the full realized value to Student LunchBox. Your donation goes directly to feeding college students and providing essential supplies across our Los Angeles campus network.
Organization legal name: Student LunchBox, Inc.
EIN: 85-2482031
Donation platform: Every.org (handles all broker coordination and IRS compliance)
What Types of Securities Can You Donate?
Through Every.org, Student LunchBox accepts a wide range of publicly traded securities, including common stock, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual fund shares, and restricted stock units (RSUs). If you hold a security type not listed, contact Every.org directly — they work with donors to accommodate many types of appreciated assets.
Publicly traded stocks and ETFs are the most common and fastest to process. Mutual fund shares typically take a few extra days but are equally eligible for the full tax treatment described above.
Your Gift's Impact
Student LunchBox serves thousands of college students monthly across numerous campuses in Los Angeles County — from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach. Every donated share translates directly into free, nutritious food distributions, Essential Closet supplies (toiletries, clothing, hygiene products), and the sustained presence that allows students to stay enrolled and graduate.
We are a Candid Platinum-rated 501(c)3 nonprofit. 82 cents of every dollar reaches students directly. You can view our full financial reports and 2025 Annual Report at studentlunchbox.org/financial-information.
Frequently Asked Questions - Stock Donations
Q: Is my stock donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Student LunchBox is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN: 85-2482031). Donations of appreciated stock are tax-deductible at their full fair market value on the date of the gift, subject to IRS limitations (generally up to 30% of AGI for non-cash gifts to public charities, with a five-year carryforward). We recommend consulting your tax advisor for your specific situation.
Q: How long does a stock donation take?
Most stock transfers are complete within 3–5 business days after you instruct your broker. Once Every.org receives the shares, they liquidate them and grants the cash value to Student LunchBox, typically within a few business days.
Q: Do I need to sell the stock before donating?
No — and you shouldn't. Donating the shares directly is far more tax-efficient than selling first and donating cash. The capital gains tax you'd owe on a sale reduces the net value of your gift significantly.
Q: What is Every.org, and is it safe?
Every.org is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit technology platform that specializes in processing non-cash charitable gifts. They manage the brokerage coordination, legal compliance, and IRS documentation on our behalf. Your donation is secure and handled in compliance with all IRS requirements.
Q: Can I donate stock from any brokerage?
Yes. Every.org works with all major U.S. brokerage firms, including Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, Merrill Lynch, and others. Once you initiate through Every.org, you'll receive broker-specific transfer instructions.
Q: What is the minimum stock donation?
Every.org processes stock donations of any size. There is no minimum. However, given the administrative steps involved, stock gifts are typically most efficient for donations with a fair market value of $500 or more.
Student LunchBox, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 85-2482031). All donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law. Please consult your financial advisor or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.