Fast, Festive, and Tax‑Smart Giving

Twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and a generosity of spirit. During this busy season of celebration and reflection, it’s common to pause, show appreciation for important work, and look for meaningful ways to make a difference. If you are a classic last-minute holiday shopper, have no fear! Here are three easy, powerful ways to make an immediate impact on our work.

1. Cash. Sometimes the simplest gifts work best. Cash is fast, familiar, and easy. If you itemize, your donation also qualifies for the highest deduction limits.
2. Appreciated stock. Particularly if you’re rebalancing your portfolio, a gift of long-term appreciated stock is an easy, powerful way to secure double tax benefits. Your gift qualifies for an immediate income tax deduction for the full value of the stock, and no capital gains tax is due on the appreciation!
3. Donor-advised fund grants. If you have a donor‑advised fund (DAF), recommending a grant to us is a simple way to make a difference using money you’ve already set aside for charitable giving. Submit your grant recommendations as early as possible if you want to ensure processing by December 31. However, unlike the first two gift options, you qualified for a tax deduction when you contributed to the DAF (not when you direct the money to us), so the timing is less urgent.

Tips to Avoid Last‑Minute Stress

• Choose electronic delivery (wires, ACH, and broker transfers) for faster delivery, but rest assured that a mailed check simply has to be postmarked by December 31.
• Contact us for stock transfer instructions—we will provide our exact legal name and account details to prevent delays.
• Keep an eye out for your receipt showing the gift date—you’ll need that documentation if you plan to take an itemized deduction.

Make a Meaningful, Timely Gift

This season, a quick gift does more than just check a box. Whether you give cash or appreciated stock, make a grant from a DAF, or choose any other way to give, your generosity will brighten the holidays and sustain our work into the new year.