Year-End Charitable Giving Strategies

Written by River Birch Wealth Management

During the holiday season, we frequently reflect on the things that are truly important in life.  Family, faith, and community take center stage. For many people, that means giving back. Whether you donate time, money, or resources, charitable giving is one of the most meaningful ways to make an impact before the year ends.

Giving well also means giving wisely. Here are a few simple strategies to help make your generosity count.

Know Why You’re Giving

Start with what’s in your heart. Maybe it’s a cause that helped you in the past or a local organization that’s close to your family. The best giving isn’t about tax deductions; it’s about making a difference that reflects your values.

Take a few minutes to talk as a family about what matters most. When your giving lines up with your values, it becomes part of your story.

Do Your Homework

Before you donate, take a quick look at how an organization uses its funds. Websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar make this easy by showing how much money goes directly to programs versus administration or fundraising.

You’ve worked hard for what you have. It’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your gift has the impact you want.

Think Beyond Cash

Charitable giving doesn’t always have to come from your checking account. You can donate appreciated investments, like stocks or mutual funds, directly to a charity. This can reduce capital gains taxes and still give the organization the full value of your gift.

You can also donate required minimum distributions (RMDs) from an IRA if you’re over 70½. That gift can count toward your required withdrawal and won’t add to your taxable income.

If you’re not sure which option fits best, we can walk you through the choices and the potential tax benefits.

Make Giving a Family Tradition

Generosity grows when it’s shared. Let your kids or grandkids help pick a charity or deliver a donation together. It’s a great way to teach kids about gratitude, empathy, and how wealth can impact your local community.

One simple tradition: every November, talk about one cause you’ll support as a family. Over time, you’ll build a legacy of giving that’s uniquely yours.

Plan Ahead for Next Year

Year-end giving often happens in a rush. Instead of waiting until December each year, consider setting up a donor-advised fund (DAF). In this scenario, you donate now, take the tax deduction this year, and can decide later which charities to support.

This approach gives you flexibility and helps you be more intentional about where your money goes.

Keep Good Records

Finally, make sure you track your donations (even small ones). Charities usually send receipts for gifts over $250, but it’s wise to keep a list of everything you give. When tax time rolls around, you’ll have confidence knowing it’s all organized.

A Season of Gratitude and Generosity

At River Birch Wealth Management, we believe wealth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about what those numbers make possible for your family, your community, and the causes that matter most.

This season, take time to reflect on how you want your giving to make an impact. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, supporting a local charity, or starting a new family tradition, thoughtful giving builds more than goodwill but also a family legacy of generosity.

If you’d like to talk about year-end giving strategies or how to include philanthropy in your financial plan, we’d love to help.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.