End-of-Year Giving: Make 2025 Your Most Strategic (and Generous) Year Yet
November is National Philanthropy Month, a time to celebrate the generosity that strengthens our communities and to plan how your giving can have the greatest impact. As we approach year-end, there’s never been a better time to make your charitable giving impactful, for your favorite causes and for your bottom line.
With the passage of recent federal legislation, nicknamed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” donors have an unprecedented opportunity to maximize tax benefits before December 31st. Whether you’re an individual philanthropist, business owner, or private foundation, thoughtful giving before year-end can unlock enhanced deductions and simplify how you support the causes you care about most.
1. Take Advantage of Enhanced 2025 Tax Incentives
Under current law, cash contributions to qualified charities like the Northern Cincinnati Foundation or its funds are deductible up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)—a significant boost for those who itemize.
If you hold appreciated stock or other long-term assets, consider donating them directly. You’ll avoid capital gains taxes while taking a deduction for the asset’s fair market value—making your gift go further for both you and your favorite nonprofits.
These enhanced provisions are only guaranteed through December 31, 2025, so now is the time to act.
2. Simplify Your Giving with a Donor Advised Fund
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is one of the most flexible and effective tools for charitable giving. When you open a DAF at the Northern Cincinnati Foundation, you make a single, tax-deductible contribution pf cash, stock, or other assets and then recommend grants to your favorite charities over time.
Think of it as a “charitable checkbook” that combines convenience, flexibility, and local expertise.
Individuals – Open a Personal DAF to grow your donations tax-free, support scholarships or community initiatives, and bundle your giving for maximum impact.
Business Owners – Seed a Corporate DAF to fund employee scholarships, community grants, or pet causes—all with a single, tax-advantaged gift.
Private Foundations – Use a DAF as a strategic partner or exit strategy to simplify administration, reduce costs, and ensure continued charitable impact.
With no setup fees, personalized service, and a mission rooted in supporting local nonprofits, the Northern Cincinnati Foundation makes philanthropy both easy and meaningful.
3. Finish Strong in 2025
As National Philanthropy Month reminds us, generosity builds community and there’s no better time to give than now. By acting before year-end, you can:
- Maximize 2025 deductions before provisions change
- Streamline charitable giving through a DAF
- Create lasting impact for the people and places you care about most
Let’s make 2025 your most strategic, and generous, year yet.