Individual Non-Cash Charitable Contributions, 2003

In 2003, taxpayers claimed deductions for $36.9 billion in non-cash donations. The most common donations were clothing and house wares. Donations of stocks and bonds were valued at $13.7 billion. A third of all donations were given to foundations.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service conducted this study in response to increased interest from the public in this topic. Tax Year 2003 was the first year that detailed information was collected from Individual Income tax returns with non-cash charitable contributions greater than $500. Individual taxpayers provided the information on Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, if tax deductions on Schedule A for non-cash donations had a total value in excess of $500.

In this study, the donation types were divided into 13 categories: corporate stock, mutual funds, other investments, real estate (except conservation easements), conservation easements, art and collectibles, intellectual property, food, clothing, electronics, household items, cars and other vehicles, and other. The donees were categorized into the following groups: art, culture and humanities, educational institutions, environmental organizations, health and medical research, large organizations, public and societal benefit, religious organizations, donor-advised funds, family foundations, other private foundations, and other organizations.