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Charitable gifts of appreciated stocks and securities can provide even greater tax benefits than a cash gift of equal value. You may take a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property, while avoiding capital gains taxes. The IRS currently allows you to deduct the full fair market value of the property up to 30% of your adjusted gross income for the year. Any amount over that ceiling can be carried forward for future deduction for up to five years, subject to the same percentage limitations.

Here's how one couple found that donating appreciated securities provided them with tax advantages and a way to support the public broadcasting service that they love.

This couple had often put some of their savings into the stock market. One of their first charitable gifts had been a gift of appreciated stock. They were also employed by companies that had stock option plans. They kept investing and the value of their plans kept growing.

"It really has been a wonderful ride. Our first experience was giving several hundred shares of a stock that had more than doubled in value. We needed some help that year with our tax situation and that gift was a great idea. Also, our stock option plans kept growing and just recently we rolled them into our IRA. It's grown beyond our wildest dreams."

"We found a way to do everything we wanted - have access to the principal if we need it and, when we're gone, provide income for our kids until they're on their own. Then, what we didn't need goes to continue family programming on public broadcasting."

"Tax benefits, protecting our family, and knowing that after us, this same -- even better! -- programming shall continue. It feels good!"

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