10 Smart Strategies for Impactful Year-End Giving

For 30 years, the Community Foundation Partnership (CFP), a partnership of the Lawrence and Martin County Community Foundations has helped community members make the year-end giving season easy and joyful. The end of the calendar year is often when donors think strategically about how to maximize the impact of their charitable dollars, while minimizing their tax burden. To support your end-of-year giving in being tax-wise and making a difference, here are ten tips:

1. Donate appreciated stock. If you have stocks or other publicly traded securities that are worth more than what you paid for them, donating these to charity at the end of the year removes your tax liability from the stock sale and is a cost-efficient donation. Stock transfer timelines can vary by provider but must be received by December 31.

2. “Bundle up” your giving through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). A DAF is a popular charitable giving vehicle allowing for a tax deduction at the time it’s opened or added to. Then, you can spread your grants to the causes and nonprofits of your choosing throughout the year(s). Setting up a DAF is easy, and once it’s opened, the Fund can accept a variety of complex gift types.

3. Give with your IRA distribution (and skip the taxes!). Making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA is an easy way to donate. A QCD is an above-the-line tax deduction that can satisfy your required minimum distribution. If you’re 70 1/2 or older, you can give money from your IRA straight to charity – up to $105,000 each year. If you’re 73 or older, this giving counts toward the amount you’re required to take out of your IRA each year. Plus, you won’t pay any taxes on the money you give. You can easily support the charity of your choice or any fund at CFP (except a DAF). Think of it as a way to make your retirement savings do good works while saving on taxes at the same time.

4. Join other like-minded donors in Lawrence and Martin County by making a gift today. CFP works to connect people, resources, and causes to promote sustainable impact towards the betterment of Lawrence and Martin Counties. It’s a great way to make a difference by pooling resources for the benefit of improving the local quality of life. When you make a gift to either Lawrence or Martin County, the funds will stay in that county.

5. Give a gift in someone’s honor or memory. Making a charitable gift in honor or memory of a loved one extends their positive impact on the work while supporting the causes they cared about. It’s a beautiful way to transform grief or gratitude into action that helps others.

6. Triple your giving by donating to a unrestricted fund. This is a rare opportunity to triple the power of your generosity and make a lasting difference. This is a moment to make your giving count—times three. Whether you’re passionate about supporting families, empowering nonprofits, or simply making our community a better place, now is the time to make a difference that lasts. Let’s maximize every dollar for Lawrence and Martin Counties!

7. Name a charitable organization as a beneficiary in your will. Check off something on your to-do list related to planning your legacy! If now isn’t the best time to donate, naming a charitable organization such as the Lawrence or Martin County Community Foundation as one of your beneficiaries is a great way to ensure that your future gift helps others.

8. Be mindful of your timing and deadlines! For charitable contributions to count towards next tax season, they must be postmarked or turned into our office by December 31.

9. Contact your professional advisors to help clarify your best giving strategy. It is always important to consult your financial advisor, accountant and/or estate attorney to fully understand the ramifications of year-end-giving as it relates to your unique situation.

10. Consult with philanthropy experts at CFP. We’re here to help year-round! Our expert guidance is available in any season, to support you in identifying the best opportunities to accomplish your charitable goals. Explore our website or reach out to learn more about how CFP partners with local philanthropists who want to be more strategic and impactful with their giving.

We’re proud to be your trusted partner in philanthropy. Thank you for looking to the Community Foundation Partnership to make your charitable giving local, personal, and meaningful.