December charitable tips to consider

As you start receiving holiday and year-end giving appeals from your favorite nonprofit organizations, here are a few charitable giving tips:

• We’re here to support you! Share your stories and charitable interests with us and let us help you find the right fit for your giving. We can provide knowledge of current community needs, recommend articles, books and podcasts on philanthropy, or offer suggestions on how to discuss philanthropy with your children or grandchildren.
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• Dec. 19 is the last day for our fund advisors at the Community Foundation to initiate grant recommendations from a charitable fund to ensure delivery before year-end, so please reach out soon. You can use our new Fund Advisor Portal to communicate grant recommendations.
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• Donating charitable stock to the Community Foundation often has a greater tax benefit than redeeming the security and donating cash. Learn more about the benefits of stock gifts by contacting us or visiting our website. Please contact us in advance to ensure a prompt and accurate transfer of stock gifts before year end.
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• If you are age 70½ or older, you can make a gift directly from an IRA to a qualified charity while excluding the amount distributed from income. IRA owners can transfer up to $100,000 per year to one or more charities, including the Community Foundation. Under current law, IRA transfers to donor advised funds don’t qualify, but the Community Foundation offers other types of funds that do qualify.

Charitable gifts from an IRA count against your required minimum distribution and reduce your income, even if you don’t itemize. Throughout this year-end giving season and beyond, the staff at your Community Foundation is here to help you accomplish all your charitable goals.

Double your giving impact this holiday season! Here is a list of local charities offering matching gift opportunities.