Generous Business StrategiesSýnishorn

Over the years, I’ve seen many unique strategies implemented by savvy business leaders to leverage their generosity. The first strategy is donating appreciated assets like publicly traded stock to charity.

Mike had been giving cash gifts to our ministry when he discovered a better way. He owned some stocks that had appreciated greatly that he considered selling.

Instead, Mike donated the stock to our ministry, receiving a charitable deduction for his taxes, while also eliminating significant capital gains tax. This benefited UBN, and enhanced Mike’s net cash proceeds.

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Many assume savvy business leaders have to be at least a little cold or crafty. However, someone can be both a skilled businessman or woman and be a generous and giving leader. As the verse above demonstrates shrewdness and innocence are not opposites, but rather work best in tandem.

A successful leader will strive to be both discerning and blameless in their business practices. So, if you have some appreciated stock, the end of the year is a great time to donate instead of selling.

Questions For Reflection

• What does it mean to be shrewd? How can shrewdness be innocent? Additionally, how can you be innocent without being ignorant?
• Why is generosity important? What other assets could you be donating? How might generosity be more beneficial for your business or your business’s mission in the long run?