FURTHERING THE TRADITION OF PHILANTHROPY

HELPFUL HINTS:
Fall Giving Checklist

Many donors tend to make charitable giving decisions during the final months of the calendar year. Now is a good time to plan ahead, before the busy giving season approaches. The following checklist can help you to organize your giving activities:

  • Determine Your Role
    Have a discussion with your spouse and/or family about upcoming charitable giving activities. Decide what role each person will play, such as researching new organizations, identifying current needs at a favorite charity, or making grant recommendations.
  • Plan Contributions
    Review your investment portfolio and determine how much you plan to contribute to the Gift Fund. Be sure to decide what types of assets you wish to contribute to the Gift Fund, keeping in mind that some assets require more time than others to process, depending on complexity.
  • Assess Charitable Giving Goals
    It is a good idea to reflect annually on your short- and long-term charitable giving goals. Reviewing and analyzing your grant history is a great way to determine what charitable sectors you supported in the past and those you may want to support in the future. Another key aspect of smart giving is periodically revisiting and rebalancing pool allocations.
  • Get Ahead of the Game
    While year-end giving is a long-standing tradition, many charities would appreciate having access to funds earlier. You don’t have to wait to support the causes that are important to you. Make a contribution now to the Gift Fund so that you may continue to recommend grants to your favorite charities. Consider scheduling recurring grant recommendations, so organizations can receive ongoing assistance.
  • Remember Important Dates
    Make a note on your calendar of key dates for 2009 year-end contributions and grant recommendations at the Gift Fund. Refer to the 2009 Year-End Contribution Deadlines.
Print