The Smart Giving Guide 

How to Make the Most of Year-End Donations 

As the holiday season approaches, generosity takes center stage. Many households make their largest charitable contributions between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. With thoughtful planning, your donations can do more than support the causes you care about. They can also complement your broader financial goals. 

From now through December 31, these strategies are: 

• Timely: Gifts made before year-end may qualify for 2025 deductions 

• Flexible: Options that work for different income and retirement stages 

• Impactful: Approaches that can strengthen both your generosity and your financial plan 

Inside the Guide, You’ll Learn: 

• Why year-end giving is an opportunity to make a greater impact 

• How donor-advised funds (DAFs) allow you to give now and decide later 

• How qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) can satisfy RMDs in a tax-efficient way 

• When gifting appreciated stock may be more beneficial than donating cash 

• Common giving mistakes to avoid before year-end 

• A checklist to help you plan your next steps with confidence 

Why It Matters 

Charitable giving can be both heartfelt and strategic. The right approach can help you: 

• Support causes that reflect your values while staying tax-aware 

• Coordinate giving with your investment, retirement, and estate plans 

• Help minimize stress by preparing ahead of year-end deadlines 

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