What Are the Different Types of Assets (and Which Can You Donate)?

Assets are generally defined as a resource—or anything else—that is of value or future benefit. There are many types of assets and a variety of ways that they are categorized. For example, assets can be classified as personal assets, business assets, current assets, and fixed assets—all of which have varying values, ownership, and uses. 

While assets can fall into different classes—usually based on ownership—all assets can be split up into two main categories: tangible assets and intangible assets.

• Tangible Assets

Tangible assets are assets usually made up of physical substance that have monetary value. This includes fixed assets such as land, buildings, tools, vehicles, furniture, and equipment. These are all things that are used by the individuals or organizations that own them to generate income.

Another type of tangible asset is current assets. These assets include things such as stock inventory, prepaid liabilities, marketable securities, financial assets, and other liquid assets.

Financial assets are technically somewhere in between tangible and intangible assets, but are generally grouped as tangible. Types of financial assets include cash, stocks, bonds, CDs, bank deposits, equity stakes, and more.

• Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are discussed less often than tangible assets because they are things that have value but are not physical assets that you can use as money. However, there are still many different types of intangible assets that are incredibly valuable, especially long-term. This includes things like brand recognition, goodwill, and intellectual property—trademarks, copyrights, and patents. 

Now that we’ve covered the different types of assets that exist, let’s focus on the ones that you can donate to nonprofit organizations.

Which Types of Assets Can You Donate?

The majority of charities and nonprofit organizations rely on donations in order to continue their important work. While donating cash assets is the simplest and most popular option for supporting these organizations, there are many different types of assets you can contribute, including:

Tangible Assets You Can Donate

• Financial assets like cash, stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and other cash equivalents
• Life insurance, retirement plans, annuities, trusts, and more
• Real estate, artwork, collectibles, books, and other personal property

Intangible Assets You Can Donate

• Intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, formulae, processes, designs, programs, patterns, methods, trade secrets, know-how, and more
• Contracts, licenses, or franchises

While most assets can technically be donated to charities, many organizations limit the contributions they accept to tangible assets like cash, stock, real estate, property, cryptocurrencies, and other similar assets. If you’re looking to make an impact by supporting your favorite charity with your assets, reach out to them to ensure they would be able to accept and make use of them.

The Canadian National Christian Foundation provides philanthropic advice and wants to connect God’s money with God’s work. Our staff, our leadership, our board, and our donors are all believers who want to help you manage your assets and guide you through creative giving solutions that also benefit you. We can handle non-cash gifts quickly and effectively, getting the money into the field as soon as possible with 100% of your principal always available to grant out. You can get started by contributing to a donor-advised fund today!

About Canadian National Christian Foundation

CNCF is a community of givers who are seeking to advance the Kingdom of God by connecting the resources God has entrusted to them with His work on earth.

Similar to other public foundations, CNCF’s difference is the commitment of its staff and directors to the Word of God, its non-denominational history and status as a Christian foundation, and its ability to allow donors to donate anonymously, at a time and gift value of their choosing.  Learn more by visiting our website.