Holiday Gift Giving Traditions & Year-End Giving Ideas

November 25, 2019

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I eagerly anticipate the official announcement of fall each year, relishing in the fact that a turn of the seasons is finally approaching. Especially in West Texas, where seasons seem virtually non-existent, fall marks a true reminder that change is coming.

Often times we embrace a change in posture as we engage in end-of-year self-reflection and proactively make plans for a fresh, new year. As with any season, there are holiday traditions we often abide by that unfailingly bring us closer to family and friends. For instance, my husband and I usually kick off this season by watching Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas while shamelessly indulging in leftover Halloween candy that was intended for trick-or-treaters. Whether your family is making plans for special meals, throwing a themed party, or baking holiday goods, we take great comfort in returning to the things we intimately know and love.

The end of the year often presents a unique opportunity to incorporate additional, and sometimes newly-cherished, traditions. Giving the gift of philanthropy is something you might consider this holiday season. Here are some giving traditions, new and old, you can share with your family and friends this year:

Give a unique gift through our Holiday Giving Guide

• The Community Foundation of Abilene’s Holiday Giving Guide features wish lists from 25 local nonprofit organizations
• View the guide here and make a gift of any amount to support the wish lists that interest you.
• Gifts of all sizes can make a significant, tangible impact just in time for the holiday season.

Give the gift of stock

• Giving long-term, appreciated securities (held more than 1 year), including stocks, bonds or mutual funds, is a great way to give to causes that matter to you while also providing you with a strategic tax advantage.
• Two key benefits of giving long-term appreciated securities:
  • You won’t pay capital gains tax on the increase in value of the security from the time of purchase.
  • The charitable gift amount is based on the total fair market value of the securities on the date of donation, which is tax deductible.
• All gifted appreciated securities are sold upon receipt so that the proceeds can immediately go towards the donor’s intended purpose.

Give the gift of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA

Are you 70 1/2 or older and not using your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for your living expenses? You can reduce your taxable income by using your RMD to make an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution to an eligible charity like the Community Foundation of Abilene.

• Direct a transfer from your IRA account to the Community Foundation of Abilene.
• Exclude the gift amount from your income for federal tax purposes.
• Count the gift toward your required minimum distribution for the year.
• Make an immediate impact in your community.

NOTE: The only type of fund you cannot make this gift to is a donor advised fund.

Give the gift of a Future Fund Membership

Give the gift of membership to those in your life wanting to get plugged in to community happenings while also engaging with other philanthropic leaders.

• Future Fund is a membership-based endowment fund of CFA, and it makes grants to nonprofits serving local children and youth.
• 100% of the membership fee is considered a donation and is immediately added to the Future Fund permanent endowment, serving children and youth in our community.
• A Future Fund membership provides access to exclusive social gatherings, nonprofit site visits, volunteer opportunities and the overall satisfaction of making a tangible difference in our community.
• Learn more here!

Gift yourself or a friend a Friend of the Community Foundation Membership

This gift supports CFA's operations, allowing us to make an even bigger impact on our community.

• Friends of CFA membership dues support our ability to provide educational opportunities to nonprofits, make equipment upgrades and enhance other foundation operations.
• 100% of the membership fee is considered a donation.
• We celebrate our Friends with an annual breakfast, an exclusive event for Friends of CFA.
• Learn more here!

Give the gift of Endowment

Consider starting an endowment fund in memory of a loved one or as a gift to your family.

• CFA manages a range of endowment funds to help you making a lasting impact on the charitable causes that matter to you and your family.
  • A designated fund can benefit a specific nonprofit you would like to see continue to serve the community for years to come.
  • Or, start a donor-advised fund and recommend various grants throughout the year to any of the nonprofit causes you care about.
  • Another option is a Field of Interest fund, which makes grants to nonprofits serving a specific field of philanthropy.

Talk to us about any of these options today! Contact us at cfa@cfabilene.org or 325-676-3883.