When it’s hot outside, the last thing you might be thinking about is year-end giving. But a few smart moves now could really pay off later, with more impact for charity and less stress during a season that can often feel too busy.
So, do yourself a favor and put these items on your to-do list now:
- Get ready with a Giving Fund (donor-advised fund) – A Giving Fund at NCF is the best way to take the pressure off the December 31 deadline for this year’s charitable contributions. With a Giving Fund, you qualify for a charitable deduction when cash or assets are contributed, and then you can take your time to prayerfully decide how you’d like to grant it. Open a Giving Fund in minutes or learn more in this two-minute video.
- Clarify your causes – Before the year-end appeals start pouring in, take some time to prayerfully consider where God is calling you to give this coming season. By narrowing your focus ahead of time, you could increase your impact and avoid some of the decision paralysis that often occurs when faced with endless asks. If you need help, use our Causes & Passions Guide to help clarify your causes, charities, and big dreams.
- Connect with charities to volunteer – If you want to experience how your chosen charities serve others, get involved in volunteering with them now, so you can connect on a deeper level and get inspired. Volunteering with your children and grandchildren can help cultivate a spirit of giving that glorifies Jesus as Christmas approaches.
- Consider a non-cash gift – You may have heard by now that cash is often the least-efficient way to fund your giving. Gifting appreciated non-cash assets – like securities, business interests, and real estate – is often the wiser choice. But these gifts can take time. Contact your NCF team to explore your options for non-cash giving before the year-end rush kicks in.
- Ask your advisor – Before the fourth quarter begins, schedule a meeting with your financial advisor to discuss ways to maximize your giving. If you wait until year end, you could miss valuable opportunities to give more. If you don’t have a professional advisor who shares your Christian values, you can search for a Certified Kingdom Advisor.
- Plan a new family giving tradition – Take some time now to coordinate hectic year-end schedules and set aside a date for a family-wide giving event. To see how one giver used Zoom to create a new multi-generational giving tradition for his family, read this inspiring story.
- Host a Journey of Generosity (JOG) – Help mentor someone this giving season by hosting a Journey of Generosity (JOG) before the end of the year. Invite other families from church or your small group and help them gain a deeper understanding of God and money. For more information about hosting, contact Generous Giving.
Connect with your NCF team to help you prepare to make the most of your giving this year.
