Crypto and Stock Gifts Made Simple for Nonprofits
Let’s say your board meeting is winding down when a long‑time supporter says, “Instead of writing another check, could I just transfer 100 shares of Apple. I also have some Bitcoin I’ve been sitting on.”
If you’re ready, that moment turns into a bigger gift at virtually no extra cost to the donor. If you’re not, it can slip away quickly. Here’s a simple guide to crypto and stock donations to nonprofits for 2025:
Why Non‑Cash Gifts Deserve Your Attention in 2025
Crypto has matured into real money. The average cryptocurrency gift last year was about $11,000, a four‑fold jump over 2023 according to The Giving Block. This is also more than 10x the average cash gift.
Stock is already mainstream. Two‑thirds of all contributions to Fidelity Charitable now arrive as stock or other non‑cash assets, not checks.
Tax math is the motivator. When donors give assets that have risen in value, donors avoid capital‑gains tax and can deduct the fair‑market value (if they’ve held the crypto > 12 months and get an appraisal), so that a $10,000 Bitcoin gift costs a high‑bracket donor thousands less than writing a $10,000 check.
In short: donors can be mathematically more generous if you give them more giving options, and your organization gets to pocket the entire appreciated value. Everyone wins except the IRS, which is exactly the point of the incentive.
Step One: Put Permission in Writing
You do not need a five‑page legal document. Two clear paragraphs in your gift‑acceptance policy will do:
“Our organization accepts publicly traded stock via DTC transfer to our brokerage account at <Name>, DTC # ####.”
“We accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USD‑pegged stablecoins through <Processor> and convert all cryptocurrency to U.S. dollars within 24 hours of receipt.”
Board approves. Policy goes on the website. You’re officially in business!
How a Stock Gift Actually Moves
Donor emails your “How to Give Stock” page to their broker.
Broker transfers shares to your brokerage account using the DTC number.
You sell the shares the same day (that’s standard) and book the proceeds.
You email a receipt showing the date and the average high‑low price, which the IRS treats as fair‑market value.
That’s it. No Wall Street wizardry required.
How a Crypto Gift Moves
Donor clicks the crypto button on your donation page and chooses, say, Bitcoin.
Your payment processor (The Giving Block, BitPay, Coinbase Giving, take your pick!) generates a wallet address good for that one transaction.
Donor transfers the coins. The processor auto‑converts them to dollars and drops the cash into your bank account the next business day.
Donor gets an emailed receipt in U.S. dollars.
From your finance office’s perspective, it looks like any other electronic deposit. It just has a different on‑ramp.
The IRS Paperwork Is Easier Than It Sounds
Form 8283 signature. If the donor claims more than $5,000 in value for any non‑cash asset (stock or crypto), they’ll hand you a Form 8283 to sign, simply acknowledging receipt. Internal Revenue Service
Qualified appraisal for big crypto gifts. Assets over $5,000 in crypto need a third‑party appraisal; your only role is signing the donor’s form. Internal Revenue Service
Stock gifts skip the appraisal. Publicly traded securities are already valued by the market, so the high‑low average you put on the receipt is enough. Internal Revenue Service
Add a calendar reminder each January to send every non‑cash donor a summary letter, and you’re covered.
Risk Management in One Sentence
“Convert immediately.” Your gift‑acceptance policy should spell that out. It protects you from crypto price swings and keeps auditors happy. Restrict brokerage and processor logins to two finance staff and one backup board officer, and you’ve handled internal controls.
Getting the Word Out (Without Scaring Anyone)
Website footer. Add “We accept stock and crypto” next to your credit‑card logos.
Year‑end email to all donors who gave $1,000+ last year: “Save on taxes! Consider donating stock or crypto before December 31.”
Reply scripts for gift officers and/or leadership: “It’s a two‑step transfer; I’ll email the instructions while we’re on the phone.”
Notice we’re not shouting “BITCOIN!” from the rooftops or on social media. It’s better to just quietly remove the friction for donors who already own these assets to give them more avenues to give if they choose.
The Payoff
Non‑cash gifts aren’t exotic anymore. They’re simply one of the ways that modern donors move wealth, just as checks replaced sacks of coins a century ago. Get the policy in place, open the right accounts, and practice the script once or twice.
This way, you’ll be ready when someone says, “Could I just transfer my XYZ shares?”.
Need Help with a Gift Acceptance Policy and Landing‑Page Copy?
PRIDE Philanthropy can help with templates (policy language, brokerage setup checklist, processor comparisons) and can walk your staff through the first transfer step‑by‑step. Book a call with one of our team members if you are wanting to to raise more money and we would love to learn more about your nonprofit!
