Giving across generations, post-tax time considerations, and making a difference as community needs increase
Greetings from [ABC Charity]!
We’re honored that so many amazing people support our mission all year long, and post-tax season is no exception. We encourage you to reach out to our team to learn more about how you can apply the lessons from tax time to create a more rewarding charitable giving experience!
In the meantime, we’re happy to share what’s trending at [ABC Charity].
–How do you want your generosity to make an impact—right now, or for years to come? Explore simple ways to support [ABC Charity] both today and in the future, helping you align your giving with what matters most to you and your family.
–Now that tax season is behind us, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your charitable giving. Discover three common regrets donors experience—and easy, practical ways to make your giving more effective and tax-smart in the year ahead.
–When times are uncertain, the need for our services only grows. Your continued support of [ABC Charity] is so important right now—and even small actions can make a meaningful difference in our community.
Thank you for all you do to keep our mission strong! We appreciate your support!
–Your friends at [ABC Charity]
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Supporting our community today, tomorrow, and for generations to come
At [ABC Charity], we’re honored to partner with donors like you who care deeply about making a difference. Many of our supporters already have a clear sense of the impact they want to create—whether that’s meeting immediate needs, expanding programs, or strengthening our community for the future.
As you think about your support of [ABC Charity], there are several important questions worth considering.
How long would you like your generosity to make an impact?
For some donors, the answer is “right now.” For others, it’s “for years—or even generations—to come.” And for many, it’s both.
The good news is that there are flexible ways to support [ABC Charity]’s mission that align with your goals, your family, and your financial plans.
A few questions to guide your giving
As you consider your next steps, it can be helpful to reflect on what matters most to you:
Do you feel most drawn to addressing immediate needs or creating lasting change over time?
Would you like your children or loved ones to be involved in your charitable legacy?
Is it important for you to see the impact of your giving during your lifetime?
Are you also thinking about tax efficiency, retirement planning, or estate goals?
Would you prefer to give in a way that is fully used today, preserved for the future, or a combination of both?
When you look ahead, what kind of impact would feel most meaningful to you?
There are no right or wrong answers—just opportunities to shape your giving in a way that reflects your values.
Ways to support [ABC Charity] now
Many donors choose to focus on immediate impact by:
Making annual or recurring gifts to sustain and grow programs
Increasing support during times of greater need
Contributing appreciated assets (such as stocks) for potential tax advantages
Using donor-advised funds to organize and maximize annual giving
These approaches help [ABC Charity] respond to today’s challenges and serve more people right now.
Ways to support [ABC Charity] in the future
Many donors—including those who give annually—are inspired to create a lasting legacy, ensuring that [ABC Charity]’s work continues well beyond their lifetimes.
Options may include:
Including [ABC Charity] in your will or trust
Naming [ABC Charity] as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy
Establishing an endowment gift that provides ongoing, reliable support year after year
These gifts help build a strong foundation for the future, allowing [ABC Charity] to plan ahead and serve generations to come.
A balanced approach: Giving now and later
Many supporters find that a blended strategy works best—combining current giving with future plans.
For example, you might:
Continue your annual support while also including [ABC Charity] in your estate plans
Make an additional gift this year while establishing a legacy gift for the future
Use different assets to support both immediate needs and long-term sustainability
This approach allows you to experience the impact of your generosity today while also creating something lasting.
Let’s build your giving plan together
Every donor’s journey is unique—and we’re here to help you think through the options in a way that feels right for you.
Whether your goal is to make a difference right now, leave a legacy, or do both, your support of [ABC Charity] plays a vital role in advancing our mission.
We would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your goals and explore ways to align your giving with the impact you want to create—today and for years to come.
Thank you for being such an important part of [ABC Charity]’s story.
Tax season debrief: Three common regrets
If you’re like many supporters of [ABC Charity], tax season likely brought your charitable giving into sharper focus. You may have reviewed your donations, gathered receipts, or talked with your advisor about how your generosity fits into your broader financial picture.
Now that the deadline has passed, it’s easy to move on. But this moment—right after filing—is actually one of the best times to reflect while everything is still fresh. That’s especially true this year, as recent tax law changes may have created unexpected outcomes.
If anything about your giving caught you off guard, you’re not alone. The good news? A few thoughtful adjustments early in the year can make a meaningful difference—for both your financial plan and the causes you care about.
Here are three common donor regrets—and how to turn them into opportunities for smarter, more impactful giving.
Giving cash instead of appreciated assets
Many donors default to writing checks or using a credit card for charitable gifts. While simple, this approach can miss a powerful opportunity.
What donors often regret: Selling appreciated assets (like stocks or mutual funds) to give cash—and then paying capital gains tax on the profit.
A smarter approach: Donating appreciated assets directly can help you avoid capital gains tax and potentially allow you to deduct the full fair market value (if you itemize). That means more value going to the causes you love—and less lost to taxes.
Missing out on “bunching” donations
With today’s higher standard deduction, many donors no longer receive a tax benefit from their annual charitable gifts.
What donors often regret: Spreading donations evenly year after year without exceeding the standard deduction threshold.
A smarter approach: “Bunching” multiple years of giving into a single year can help you surpass the standard deduction and receive a tax benefit—while still supporting your favorite nonprofits over time.
Why this matters now: Tax rules continue to evolve. For example, charitable deductions are now subject to a 0.5% floor and a 35% cap. Planning ahead—earlier in the year—can help you make the most of your generosity.
Not keeping proper documentation
Even the most well-intentioned gifts can run into issues without the right records.
What donors often regret: Missing written acknowledgments for gifts over $250 or lacking basic records for smaller donations.
Why it matters: Without proper documentation, the IRS may disallow deductions—even for legitimate gifts.
A simple fix: Keep confirmations, receipts, and acknowledgment letters organized throughout the year to ensure your generosity is fully recognized.
A few more lessons donors often share
Beyond these top three, we often hear:
Forgetting IRA giving opportunities: If you’re age 70½ or older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can be a tax-efficient way to give directly from your IRA.
Giving to non-qualified organizations: Not all organizations are eligible for tax-deductible gifts—double-checking matters. Remember, [ABC Charity] is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization registered with the IRS.
Overestimating non-cash donations: Items like clothing or vehicles must be valued at fair market (not original) value.
Looking ahead
Your generosity makes a real difference—and with a little planning, it can go even further.
If you’d like to approach your giving more strategically this year, we’re here to help. Whether you’ve supported [ABC Charity] for years or are just getting started, we’d love to be a resource for you as you plan your next steps.
Thoughtful giving isn’t just about tax efficiency—it’s about maximizing your impact on the causes you care about most.
Challenging times: Your support matters
It’s easy to underestimate just how much organizations like [ABC Charity] shape everyday life in our community. From meeting essential needs to creating opportunities and strengthening lives, nonprofits are often working behind the scenes in ways that touch us all.
During times like these—when economic uncertainty is top of mind—that impact becomes even more important.
As many people watch the markets and consider their financial plans this spring, it’s completely natural to feel cautious. And yet, history shows a consistent pattern: when times are challenging, the need for nonprofit services doesn’t slow down—it grows.
For [ABC Charity], that means more individuals and families relying on the programs and support you help make possible.
Staying engaged when it matters most
Moments like this offer an opportunity to pause and reflect—not just on how much we give, but how we give.
For many donors, this can be a time to consider deepening their support for the organizations they trust most.
There are several meaningful ways to do that with [ABC Charity]:
Strengthening the mission through operating support
One of the most powerful ways to help is by supporting [ABC Charity]’s core operations.
These gifts provide the flexibility needed to:
Respond quickly as needs evolve
Sustain critical programs
Invest in long-term solutions—not just short-term fixes
In uncertain times, this kind of support becomes especially valuable. It ensures that [ABC Charity] can continue showing up for the community—consistently and reliably.
Expanding impact through program support
Targeted gifts to specific programs or initiatives help expand [ABC Charity]’s reach exactly where it’s needed most.
As demand increases, these contributions can:
Help serve more individuals and families
Strengthen key services
Address emerging challenges in real time
Your support directly fuels the work happening on the ground.
Taking a balanced approach to giving
Many donors find that a blended approach works best—continuing their ongoing support while also increasing their giving during times of heightened need.
This might mean:
Making an additional gift this year
Advancing a future gift to meet today’s demand
Increasing recurring contributions
Even small adjustments can make a meaningful difference when combined with the generosity of others.
A moment that calls for leadership
[ABC Charity] plays a unique and vital role in our community. With deep knowledge of the needs of the people we serve, and a strong commitment to long-term impact, the organization is positioned to respond thoughtfully—both now and in the future.
And that work depends on supporters like you.
At a time when uncertainty may cause some to step back, your decision to stay engaged—or even lean in—can help ensure that critical services remain strong and accessible to those who need them most.
Looking ahead, together
Your generosity has always been at the heart of [ABC Charity]’s impact. Right now, it matters more than ever.
If you’ve been considering how to make a difference this year, we invite you to think about how you might deepen your support. Together, we can continue to meet today’s challenges while building a stronger, more resilient community for the future.
Thank you for being part of this work.
This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.