As the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect and consider ways to give back. When done properly, charitable giving offers a bevy of tax and estate planning advantages.
Here are 12 charitable giving ideas (inspired by that popular Holiday Carol) to help inspire your year-end philanthropy.
- On the first day of giving, identify what’s important to you: Whether it’s environmental conservation, healthcare research, or education, your contribution can help drive positive change.
- On the second day of giving, know before you give: Research charities before you give. Check out sites like Charity Navigator or CharityWatch to educate yourself about where your money will go.
- On the third day of giving, make it part of the plan: Consider incorporating charitable giving into your long-term financial plan. This could involve making a bequest in your will, setting up a charitable trust, or naming a charity as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Let’s have a conversation and determine next steps.
- On the fourth day of giving, leverage your employer’s matching gift program: Many employers offer matching gift programs, which can double or even triple the impact of your charitable donations. Check with your HR department to learn more.
- On the fifth day of giving, donate appreciated stock: Donating appreciated stock can be a tax-efficient way to support your favorite charities. By donating the stock directly, you can avoid capital gains taxes and receive a tax deduction for the full fair market value.
- On the sixth day of giving, learn about donor-advised funds: A Donor-Advised Fund is a charitable giving vehicle that allows you to make immediate tax-deductible contributions while granting you flexibility in timing your charitable gifts.
- On the seventh day of giving, give the gift of time: Consider volunteering your time to a local nonprofit. Whether it’s mentoring a young person, serving meals at a homeless shelter, or participating in a community clean-up, your time can be impactful.
- On the eighth day of giving, explore a family foundation: A family foundation can be a powerful tool for multi-generational philanthropy. It allows you to establish a legacy and involve your family in charitable giving that can endure for generations.
- On the ninth day of giving, consider impact investing: Impact investing allows you to invest in companies and funds that generate both financial returns and positive social or environmental impact. By aligning your investments with your values, you can make a tangible difference while potentially growing your wealth.
- On the tenth day of giving, find out about a Charitable Remainder Trust: A Charitable Remainder Trust is a tax-efficient way to be philanthropic while receiving income for a specified period. It can be a valuable tool for estate planning and charitable giving.
- On the eleventh day of giving, learn about a Legacy Fund: A legacy fund is a powerful tool for long-term charitable giving. By establishing a legacy fund, you can ensure that your charitable intentions continue for generations to come. You can work with us to set up a fund that aligns with your philanthropic goals.
- On the twelfth day of giving, encourage others to give: Inspire your friends and family to join you in giving back. Share your philanthropic experiences and encourage them to find ways to give back to their communities and causes that are important to them.
Remember, every act of giving, big and small, can make a difference. By incorporating these 12 ideas into your year-end giving strategy, you can make a lasting impact.
If you’d like to learn more about any of these ideas, feel free to respond to this email so that we can extend the “Season of Giving” into a year-round state of mind.