Are you making any year end gifts? Consider one of these ideas before you do!
Gift from your brokerage account:
Instead of giving from your checking account, consider giving appreciated stocks/funds from your brokerage account. Transfer the security directly to the non-profit, you pass the gains to the charity and since they are a nonprofit, they are exempt from the gain when they sell
Set up your own charitable giving fund:
Not sure where or who to give your money to, but want the tax deduction? You can open a donor advised fund at the community foundation. These allow you to deposit charitable dollars now, in time for year-end deadlines, and decide later where you want your donation gifted.
If you have questions or need help facilitating any of these ideas, let us know!