Make Your Generosity Go Further: Smart Ways to Give Before Year-End

September 30, 2026

As the end of the year approaches, many donors are thinking about how they can make a meaningful impact while also taking advantage of potential tax benefits. If charitable giving is part of your year-end plans, now is a great time to connect with your tax advisor or financial planner to discuss the options that may be right for you.

3 Smart Ways to Give Before Year-End

1. New Tax Benefits for Charitable Giving

Recent tax law changes may make charitable giving more beneficial for many taxpayers. Beginning in 2026, people who take the standard deduction may also deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts to qualified charities. Married couples filing jointly may deduct up to $2,000. This tax benefit is available even if you do not itemize deductions. [Learn more at irs.gov]

Talk with your tax advisor with how this change may affect you.

2. Consider Donating Stock

If you own stocks, mutual funds, or other investments that have grown in value, donating them directly to charity may be a smart option.

Benefits may include:

Avoiding capital gains taxes on the increase in value. [org]
Making a larger gift without affecting your everyday budget.
Supporting causes you care about in a tax-efficient way.

Learn more: https://plannedgifts.providence.org/appreciated-securities/?pgloc=napa

3. Give through your IRA

If you are age 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a donation directly from your IRA. This type of gift is also known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution or QCD.

A QCD allows money to go directly from your IRA to a qualified charity. In some cases, this can reduce your taxable income while supporting causes that matter to you.

If you are age 73 or older and must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), a QCD may help satisfy part or all of that requirement.

Learn more: https://plannedgifts.providence.org/give-from-your-ira/?pgloc=napa

Plan Ahead Before December 31

The end of the year can be busy, so it's a good idea to start planning now. Your tax, legal, or financial advisors can help you choose the giving option that best fits your goals and financial situation.

Whether you make a cash gift, donate stock, or give through your IRA, your generosity helps local families access caregiver support, dementia resources, grief support, and other essential services.