The Holidays are upon us, and with them come annual traditions of generosity and giving back. This comes at a time when local organizations face uncertainty while simultaneously working to meet rising need from the families and communities they serve. Regardless of the national or statewide context, we all have the opportunity to make a difference where we can, right here at home. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan how you’ll give back this year:
Learn About Local Needs
- Strengthen your connection with organizations you support by learning about their current needs and long-term goals. Research nonprofit websites and local news or contact organizations you support to ask what is needed most.
- Sign up for newsletters, attend events, and follow local organizations on social media to stay up to date on current projects and priorities.
- Contact HAF+WRCF for help learning about specific community needs, or for a list of HAF+WRCF funds to contribute to in your interest area.
Evaluate Your Gift Options
- Consider gifts of appreciated stock. If you aren’t sure how to make a gift of stock to charity, HAF+WRCF can provide simple instructions.
- Give from your IRA. Those who are 70½ or older can distribute up to $108,000 tax-free from an IRA directly to a qualified charity as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). HAF+WRCF is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit to receive QCDs. However, the IRS prohibits QCDs to a Donor Advised Fund; all other fund types can receive QCDs.
- Contact your financial or tax advisor to discuss whether a gift of stock or from your IRA might be a good option for you.
- Consider a Donor Advised Fund to make multiple years’ worth of charitable contributions at once, to be granted out on your timeline. Many financial institutions offer donor advised funds, as does HAF+WRCF.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Credit card transactions for online donations must be processed by 11:59pm on December 31.
- Checks must be postmarked by USPS on or before December 31.
- FEDEX or UPS deliveries must be received in-hand by staff on or before December 31.
- Gifts of stock or IRA distributions should be initiated in early December to ensure they are received before the end of the year.
While there are many things to think about when making a charitable gift, the most important decision is the one you’ve already made—to give back to your community in the first place, whatever that might look like for you. At HAF+WRCF we are here to help you explore your philanthropic goals, demystify gift options and strategies, and help connect your generosity to where the help is needed most. Contact our Donor Services Team via phone at 707-267-9905 or email at donorservices@hafoundation.org if we can assist with your charitable giving.
This information is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Always consult with your own tax, legal, or accounting advisors.