6 End-of-Year Charitable Giving Strategies to Give with Heart and Strategy

I serve on boards of several nonprofits because I believe that giving back is a way to amplify the good work that the organizations are doing to help communities for various causes.  

As soon as November starts, many of us feel an urge to pause and give thanks—for our families, our opportunities, and the communities that have supported us. It’s the time of year where we get the urge to give back to the community.  

And at International Private Wealth Advisors, we believe it’s also the season when generosity can meet financial strategy. Thoughtful charitable giving doesn’t just help others; it can strengthen your own financial and tax plans. 

I like to remind our clients that the best gifts come from alignment. You help certain organizations because they are aligned with things you care about. For example, I give back to the Southern Caregiver Resource Center because I believe that the people caring for their loved ones are doing critically important work and need resources.  

What is even more powerful is when you are able to give back to organizations you are aligned with intentionally so you can maximize your impact and your tax benefits while creating a legacy that truly reflects your values.  

Start with Your Why 

Before you write a check or click “donate,” take a moment to reconnect with your purpose and values as a person. We like to ask our clients early on in our relationship with them what their purpose and values are so we can design our plans around what matters most to them.  

Some questions to ask yourself when identifying your purpose:  

• What causes or communities have shaped who I am today? 

• How can my resources—time, money, or expertise—make a difference there? 

• What message do I want to send to my children or future generations about generosity? 

Charitable giving isn’t just a transaction. It’s a reflection of your purpose and your values. And there are ways to amplify your impact that can be beneficial to you.  

Smart Giving Strategies Before Year End 

Many nonprofits have already started their year-end push for funding because nearly all nonprofits rely on donations to fund their mission. And according to the membership organization Independent Sector, individual giving accounts for much of the revenue for nonprofits, alongside foundation and corporate grants and government funding. With a third of nonprofits reporting a disruption in their government funding in 2025, individual gifts are more important than ever, according to the Urban Institute.  

There are ways to help fund your favorite organizations that can also benefit your financial plan so long as you incorporate them before December 31, 2025, including:  

1. Donate Appreciated Assets Instead of Cash. If you’ve held investments that have significantly grown in value, consider gifting those appreciated stocks or mutual funds directly to your preferred charity. You’ll avoid paying capital gains taxes and still receive a deduction for the full market value of your donation.
2. Use a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). A donor-advised fund allows you to contribute now—and receive your full deduction this year—while deciding later which organizations to support. It’s a flexible way to make larger, more strategic gifts over time.
3. Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). If you’re age 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA to a qualified charity, up to $108,000 annually for 2025. The amount counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) but is excluded from your taxable income. It’s considered one of the most tax-efficient ways to give in retirement.
4. Bunch or Stack Contributions. Because of the higher standard deduction, some families find it useful to “bunch” multiple years of donations into one tax year to maximize itemized deductions—then take the standard deduction the next. This simple strategy can increase your total tax savings while maintaining your commitment to giving.
5. Consider Gifts of Real Estate or Business Interests. For business owners or investors preparing for a sale, gifting a portion of highly appreciated real estate or company stock before the transaction closes can reduce taxes and fund future philanthropy. These more advanced strategies require coordination with your financial advisor, CPA, and attorney— but the results can be transformative.
6. Explore Charitable Trusts. A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) can provide you or your loved ones with income for life, while ultimately benefiting your favorite charities. A Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) reverses that structure—offering income to charities for a set time before transferring remaining assets to heirs. Both allow for tax advantages and legacy building in one structure.

Many of these strategies must be completed before December 31 of this year to qualify for this year’s tax benefits. So before the year ends, make sure you: 

• Confirm your charities are IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. 

• Complete any stock or fund transfers early—brokerages can take several business days to process. 

• Document all gifts and coordinate with your advisor and CPA to ensure accuracy. 

Give with Heart and Strategy 

The most meaningful gifts come from the intersection of your values and your planning. When you approach giving as part of your overall financial strategy, you can create impact that lasts for causes you feel passionate about. 

If you’d like to review your charitable giving strategy or explore ways to integrate philanthropy into your overall plan, we’d be honored to help you make this a season of both gratitude and growth.  

And whether you work with me or my partner, Louis Barajas, schedule a year-end strategy session with us to make sure your giving plan reflects both your values and your vision for the future. 

This material contains general information to help you understand basic financial planning strategies. Nothing in this article should be construed as a recommendation for your personal situation, nor should it be used to make decisions before you discuss your needs with your financial advisor.