If you hold stock in a closely held business, you may be able to use that stock as a powerful way to support the future of the planet.

Closely held stock* is most often used to support our efforts to protect the environment in the form of an outright gift. You can make a gift of closely held stock as long as the constituting documentation for the business permits additional owners and it is debt-free. The donation of closely held stock first requires you to value the interest in the business entity.

Review this checklist to see if you may benefit from donating closely held stock. Then, consult your professional legal and tax advisers to see how to maximize the benefits of this tax-efficient strategy for making a difference.

• You are a majority shareholder in a closely held corporation.
• You would like to remove retained earnings from the corporation, without having them taxed again.
• You would like to maintain a controlling position in the corporation's outstanding stock.
• You would like to avoid capital gains taxes on the shares you donate to Natural Resources Defense Council.
• You would like to receive a federal income tax deduction for the full appraised value of the gift.
• You would like to support the people, plants, and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends.

Click on the links below to see the additional ways to fund your gift with closely held stock:

• A gift in your will or living trust.
• A charitable gift annuity.
• A charitable remainder trust.
• A charitable lead trust.

* A gift of closely held stock requires special handling, so you should always consult with your legal or tax adviser first.