By contributing any appreciated stock you've held for longer than one year to Fidelity Charitable, rather than selling the stock and then donating the funds, you can potentially eliminate the capital gains tax on any increase in value. To do this, you'll need to open a Giving Account (if you don't already have one). Good news: Eligible Amazon employees can qualify for an exclusive fee discount on the Giving Account—learn more on the Fidelity Charitable page for Amazon employees. Once your Giving Account is opened, you can simply contribute the appreciated asset to Fidelity Charitable. Fidelity Charitable will sell the stock, and fund your Giving Account with the proceeds. Those funds are then available for you to recommend grants to your favorite charities. With this strategy, your favorite charities can potentially receive more support.
Your tax deduction is generally equal to the fair market value of the stock on the day of the contribution, provided that the requisite holding periods are met.