If You’re Thinking This, Consider That: 5 Charitable Giving Ideas for Year-End

In Brooklyn, generosity is more than a tradition; it’s a powerful force for change. That’s why at Brooklyn Org, we believe strategic philanthropy should work for you and your community. Our team is proud to work with you to connect your charitable goals with the local expertise and partnerships that help make meaningful change possible.

With several new charitable tax provisions taking effect in 2026, now is an especially important time to consider not just how much you want to give, but when and how you make your gifts. Through thoughtful charitable planning, we can help turn your generosity into a lasting impact for the communities and causes you care about most.

Continue reading for 5 ways a simple shift in your giving strategy could help you make the most of your philanthropy this year and beyond!

1. Think about making a qualifying cash gift

If you’re thinking, “I want to give to charity, but I usually take the standard deduction.” 

Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who don’t itemize deductions may be eligible to deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying cash contributions, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. This creates a new opportunity to receive a federal income tax benefit for gifts to eligible charities, even without itemizing. Contributions to donor advised funds do not qualify for this particular deduction, but our Donor Services team at Brooklyn Org can help you identify eligible charitable organizations and giving opportunities that align with your interests.

2. Explore a Donor Advised Fund at Brooklyn Org

If you’re thinking, “I’d like to make a significant charitable gift, but I’m not sure which organizations to support yet.”

Maybe you’ve experienced an unusually high-income year or simply want to set aside a meaningful amount for charity. A donor advised fund at Brooklyn Org lets you make an irrevocable charitable contribution now, potentially receive a tax deduction in the year of the gift, and recommend grants to qualified charities over time. This approach can be especially useful if you’re considering combining several years of charitable giving into one year for tax planning purposes (a “bunching” strategy).

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3. Consider giving appreciated stock

If you’re thinking, “I want to make a gift, but I don’t want to sell my investments.”

You may have owned shares of a publicly traded company for several years, and they’ve increased substantially in value. Rather than selling the shares and donating the proceeds, you might consider transferring the stock directly to your donor advised fund at Brooklyn Org. Depending on your circumstances, donating long-term appreciated securities directly to charity may allow you to avoid recognizing capital gains on the appreciation and qualify for a charitable income tax deduction. Our Donor Services team can work with you and your advisors to coordinate the transfer and help you support your favorite causes.

4. Explore a qualified charitable distribution

If you’re thinking, “I have to take money out of my IRA anyway.” 

If you are 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD, directly from your IRA to an eligible charity. A QCD is generally excluded from taxable income and can count toward your required minimum distribution if you have one. Although QCDs cannot be made to donor advised funds, Brooklyn Org can help you explore other eligible funds and charitable giving options. This strategy may work particularly well if you want to support charity without increasing your adjusted gross income through an IRA withdrawal.

5. Consider a gift through your estate plan

If you’re thinking, “I want my charitable giving to continue long after I’m gone.”

You don’t have to make a substantial gift during your lifetime to establish a lasting charitable legacy. For example, you might name Brooklyn Org as a beneficiary of a retirement account and direct the gift to a particular charitable fund, include a charitable bequest in your will or trust, or establish an endowment to support a favorite cause over time. Brooklyn Org can help you explore arrangements that reflect your charitable priorities while working with your legal and financial advisors to ensure your plans are properly documented.

Tailor Your Charitable Giving Plan

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to philanthropy. Whether you’re making an annual contribution, considering a gift of appreciated assets, or planning a charitable legacy – the right strategy is one that reflects your financial circumstances, personal values, and the impact you hope to make.

At Brooklyn Org, we’re proud to serve as a bridge between generosity and community impact, connecting donors with the people and organizations working to build a more equitable Brooklyn. From supporting grassroots nonprofits to addressing our borough’s most pressing challenges, your giving has the power to strengthen neighborhoods and create opportunities that extend far beyond a single gift.

As the year comes to a close, our Donor Services team is here to help you turn your charitable ideas into action. Together with your tax, legal, and financial advisors, we can explore thoughtful giving strategies that align with your goals while helping build a stronger, more vibrant Brooklyn for all.

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