Featured Blog Post

If you are like many of our friends and donors, you find great joy in making charitable gifts during the final months of the year. You may be inspired by the Thanksgiving season or be reminded by your accountant of the need for tax deductions. Perhaps you’ve been considering making a gift to support the current needs of charitable organizations, like ours, that mean the most to you.

But where should you start? First, you’ll need to decide how to share your “social capital”—what’s left after you pay your expenses—and turn your thoughts to the needs of others. Some donors wish to support specific programs or campaigns, while others choose to make their gifts to honor a loved one or celebrate a reunion or a key anniversary.

Next, how do you make gifts? Do you give cash, or are you a tax-savvy donor who gives assets such as stock? Gifts of appreciated assets provide additional benefits because you do not have to pay any tax on the appreciation. And if you are aged 70½ or older, you can make charitable gifts from your IRA up to $111,000 this year. The amount of your gift, which can include your required minimum distribution, will not be included in your income.

Finally, is a charitable deduction important to you? In 2026 individuals who do not itemize their deductions can claim a $1,000 charitable deduction ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) for cash gifts made to qualified charitable organizations. If you itemize your deductions, you can get a tax benefit. However, most people do not make gifts just to get a tax deduction.

Whether you are inspired to create a scholarship, purchase new books for a library, donate art to a beloved museum, give to humanitarian causes, honor or memorialize a loved one, or make a gift to support our mission, you’ll experience the spirit of the season knowing your generosity will benefit those we serve.

If you have any questions about these or any other charitable opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to help you explore your options for seasonal giving and how to best achieve your year-end philanthropic and financial goals.