For many donors, charitable giving happens in the final weeks of the year. Between tax deadlines, holiday traditions, and opportunities like Giving Tuesday, December often becomes the busiest season for philanthropy. But meaningful giving does not have to happen under pressure.
At Austin Community Foundation (ACF), we have found that taking a few simple steps now can make your year-end giving more thoughtful, strategic, and stress-free. Whether you are opening a donor-advised fund, exploring tax-smart strategies, or deciding where to make an impact, summer is an ideal time to plan ahead.
Here are three ways to prepare for year-end giving before the holiday rush begins:
1. Open your donor-advised fund before you need it
Many people discover donor-advised funds in December, when they are already working to complete their year-end giving. Although opening a fund is straightforward, waiting until the final weeks can add pressure as you coordinate with your financial advisor, accountant, or attorney.
If you set up your donor-advised fund now, you can spend the end of the year focused on your charitable goals rather than paperwork and deadlines. Plus, one of the main advantages of a donor-advised fund is that you have the flexibility to contribute when it best fits your financial situation and then recommend grants when you are ready.
At ACF, our team works with you and your advisors to make the process seamless, so you can stay focused on your giving goals. Learn more about opening a donor-advised fund.
2. Look beyond cash gifts
When people think about charitable giving, they usually think about writing a check or donating online. However, looking beyond cash can open the door to giving strategies that may benefit both the causes you care about and your overall financial goals.
If you have owned stock or mutual funds that have grown significantly in value, donating those investments may allow you to support the causes you care about while potentially reducing capital gains taxes. Depending on your situation, other assets such as closely held business interests or real estate may also be good candidates for charitable giving.
One of the advantages of working with ACF is our ability to accept a wide variety of complex assets. We can also collaborate with your professional advisor to help facilitate the gift, which makes the process easier for everyone involved.
By reviewing your portfolio now, you will have time to explore your options and determine the giving strategy that best aligns with your financial goals and charitable vision.
3. Plan your giving before the holiday rush
Between holiday travel, family gatherings, and year-end deadlines, it is easy to find yourself trying to remember which organizations you supported last year or scrambling to research new ones before December 31. Instead, take a little time this summer to create your giving plan.
You can begin by reflecting on the causes and organizations that mattered most to you and your loved ones over the past year. Then, you can consider the nonprofits you know you will continue supporting, as well as new issues or organizations you would like to learn more about. If philanthropy is something you share with your family, this can also be a great time to talk about what matters most and involve your children or grandchildren in giving decisions.
If you are looking for ideas, ACF can help. Because we work with nonprofits across Central Texas every day, we can connect you with organizations and community initiatives that align with your values. Whether your passion is affordable housing, education, the environment, the arts, or another cause, we are here to help you give with confidence.
Get Started
Planning ahead this summer can help you approach year-end giving with greater confidence and less stress. ACF is here to work alongside you and your professional advisors to simplify the process, connect you with opportunities for local impact, and shape a philanthropic strategy that reflects your values. Contact us at heretohelp@austincf.org or 512.472.4483.
