Ways to Maximize Your Impact during this Season of Giving
As the season of giving arrives, so does another opportunity to make a real, lasting impact on our community. It’s a time when generosity truly shines, and for those looking to give strategically, there are ways to make that gift go further. Here are two powerful ways to create a difference—each offering meaningful financial benefits for you and long-lasting value for our community.
GIVING STRATEGICALLY:
The Benefits of Stock and IRA Contributions
If you’re thinking about making a big difference with tax advantages to match, gifts of appreciated stock or IRA distributions are options that could be perfect for you. By gifting appreciated stock directly, you can bypass capital gains taxes, turning what would have been owed to the IRS into extra support for the community. The best part? You can claim the full market value of the stock as a charitable deduction, maximizing the impact of every dollar
without increasing your out-of-pocket costs.
For those aged 70½ and older, another tax-savvy option is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA. Not only does this gift count toward your Required Minimum Distribution, but it also excludes the amount from your taxable income. This strategy can help reduce your tax liability for the year and offer a significant gift to support the work United Way is doing in our community. You get the satisfaction of knowing you’re making an impact in an efficient, thoughtful way.
BUILDING A LEGACY THAT LASTS
For those inspired to leave a lasting legacy, endowed giving and planned gifts offer ways to make a difference that continues far into the future. By establishing an annual endowed gift, you ensure that your yearly support for United Way’s mission will continue in perpetuity. An endowed gift establishes a fund that’s carefully invested to support our programs year after year. It’s a lasting way to uphold your commitment to the causes you care about, with a single gift that keeps giving.
Planned gifts, including bequests, trusts, or beneficiary designations, also provide flexibility and a range of options. Whether your goal is to reduce estate taxes, secure future financial goals, or build a legacy, planned gifts can be customized to meet your values and priorities. Both endowed and planned gifts allow your support to be there for years to come—invested in the community where it’s needed most.
Ready to take the next step?
Start by consulting with your financial advisor or estate planner to explore the options that best meet your goals. If you’d like a more personal look at how your gift could make an impact, reach out to us directly. We’re here to discuss options, answer questions, and help ensure that your legacy reflects the change you want to see in our community.
As you consider your giving options before the end of the year, know that your support makes a profound difference. No matter how you choose to give, your generosity strengthens our community today and for years to come.