Use appreciated stocks (held for more than one year) to make a charitable gift. You will save taxes by not having to pay any capital gains tax, and you will receive a deduction for the full fair market value of the stock donated.  A double win! If you’re selling a business, real estate interest or other highly appreciated assets, think about where philanthropy fits in – not only as an act of generosity, but as a tax-saving strategy.  Making your gift in advance of the sale may help you avoid capital gains taxes and get a larger tax deduction.

Year-end is an excellent time to replenish your Donor-Advised Fund or establish a new fund. It’s a simple way to make your charitable giving more tax-efficient, organized, and impactful. Learn more about DAFs here.

You may also open a fund for your children or grandchildren. You’ll receive the tax deduction, while they begin to practice Jewish philanthropy and support the causes they love.

One powerful strategy is “bunching” – making multiple years of charitable contributions in a single tax year to exceed the standard deduction threshold and secure a larger itemized deduction. For example, instead of giving annually in both 2026 and 2027, you could contribute the combined amount in 2026 to your DAF at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation. You’ll receive the full deduction in 2026, while still distributing grants to your favorite charities on your own timetable.

This approach can save philanthropists – especially those giving in the $5,000 to $25,000 range – thousands of dollars in taxes. Donors can also “front-load” several years of giving into their DAF, continuing to support causes they care about consistently, while benefiting from significant tax advantages.

If you are age 70 ½ or older, you can make an IRA qualified charitable distribution (QCD), or a direct tax-free transfer of funds, from your IRA payable directly to a qualified charity.  This option is still available in 2026, and is a fantastic use of your otherwise taxable IRA dollars. While QCD’s cannot be used to contribute to a Donor-Advised Fund, they are a great way to give to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign and to create an endowment or restricted fund.

With current and potential tax law changes, this is an ideal time to incorporate philanthropy into your estate plan. From charitable bequests in your will or trust to making a gift with your retirement plan assets or life insurance, we’re here to help you build a meaningful Jewish legacy. We can also work directly with your financial advisor and estate attorney to create a charitable plan that aligns with your goals.