Gifts of Stocks, Bonds or Mutual Funds

Securities that are actively traded on recognized stock exchanges and other readily marketable securities, including bonds and mutual funds, may be accepted as gifts by ALA. Securities given to ALA are managed in accordance with our investment policies and may be sold upon receipt. ALA requests that donors interested in transferring stock contact us at development@ala.org or by calling (312) 280-3259 so that we may properly prepare for your gift and ensure smooth processing, application and acknowledgement. Knowing the number of shares, the intended gift date and the intended designation of the gift will allow us to accomplish that.

The following outlines some of the information you will need to be aware of before sending your gift of stock, bonds or mutual funds:

I. Donation of Securities via Mail - if you have physical custody of stock certificates that you wish to donate to ALA, certificates should be mailed without any endorsement or assignment and by registered mail, to:

• In a second, separate envelope the donor needs to mail one endorsed Stock Power Form per certificate to the above address. The signature on the stock power form needs to be guaranteed (this is different from having the document notarized; most banks provide a signature guarantee service and standard stock power forms).
• The signed stock/bond power forms must be sent and received separately from the stock/bond certificates. The signature on the stock/bond power must exactly match the name(s) on the certificates.
• The stock certificates will not be negotiable until ALA receives both envelopes.
• The gift date will be established from the later postmark of the two envelopes.

II. Donation of Securities via Mail - if the certificates have been reissued in the name of American Library Association:

• Certificates should be mailed without any endorsement or assignment and by registered mail, to:

• The donor’s name and purpose for the gift should be stated in an accompanying letter.
• The gift date will be established from the postmark on the envelope.

III. Donation of Securities via Wire Transfer: Securities may be wired directly to ALA’s brokerage account via DTC from the donor’s broker account. Wire transfer instructions may be obtained from ALA Development Office by emailing development@ala.org or calling (312) 280-3259.

IV. Mutual Fund Shares, Closely Held Securities, and Restricted Securities: ALA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and may defer to the Gift Acceptance Committee, ALA legal counsel or the ALA Executive Board for guidance. Please contact us if you are interested in donating these items.