Attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors are well aware the last couple months of the year are very busy with clients’ tax planning. It’s also a busy time for charitable giving where a high percentage of giving happens in December. Hudson Community Foundation’s team is honored to work closely with you on year-end giving strategies.
Below are a few reminders to keep in mind as you work with your advisors or clients in the busy weeks ahead:
What have you gifted? When working on your year-end plans, review giving history since January. Many people misremember how much they have already contributed or overlook smaller recurring gifts. Reviewing prior donations helps identify gaps and opportunities to make intentional year-end gifts that align with personal values.
What are the rules? This is a great time to be reminded that only gifts to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities are tax-deductible. Donors sometimes assume that all community initiatives qualify, so a quick check using IRS tools or by working with Hudson Community Foundation (HCF) can avoid disappointment later.
What assets to give? Remember that donating appreciated securities or other long-term assets to your donor-advised or other type of fund at HCF can eliminate capital gains tax while providing a charitable deduction for the fair market value. This strategy is often more tax efficient than selling the assets and donating cash.
When to give? Act early when transferring non-cash gifts, or really any gift, to your donor-advised or other type of fund at HCF. Stock transfers, complex assets, and donor-advised fund contributions can take extra time to process before year-end. Initiating those steps well before December 31 helps ensure the gift counts for the current tax year.
Have an IRA? For clients who are age 70½ or older, be sure to evaluate the possibility of Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs, up to $108,000 per taxpayer in 2025, which can reduce taxable income. These gifts must go directly from the IRA to a qualified charity, including some types of funds at HCF (excluding donor-advised funds).
How much to give? Learn about using your donor-advised funds to potentially “front-load” or “bunch” charitable contributions into 2025 to maximize tax benefits in light of new laws that will take effect in 2026.
Why give? Think beyond tax savings. The most meaningful charitable plans grow out of purpose and connection, not just deductions. At Hudson Community Foundation we can help make a big difference in the causes that matter most to you or your client. Our team can also help donors involve family members in their philanthropy and help align charitable giving with broader legacy goals.
Where to give? Local expertise matters. Working through the community foundation helps ensure that donors’ generosity benefits the causes and communities they care about. Hudson Community Foundation team is here to help you or your clients, no matter where they live, support their favorite causes and make a positive impact in the community or throughout the country. We are committed to serving as your charitable giving partner.
We welcome the opportunity to work with you and your financial advisor to establish an enduring and rewarding family philanthropy program that is customized to meet each client’s unique purpose.
Read more about Donors Guide to Donor Advised Funds.
With a fund at Hudson Community Foundation (HCF), advisors can manage the charitable assets on their preferred platform at any amount. Assets stay under your management. You can provide your clients with the consistent investment advice they expect. We are your partner in charitable giving!
The team at HCF is a resource as you serve your philanthropic clients. We understand the charitable side and are happy to serve as a secondary source as you manage the primary relationship with your clients. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice.
