Giving Season Made Simple: A Donor Guide to Year-End Generosity

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the impact you’ve made and consider how you can continue to support the causes you care about. Year-end giving is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community while also enjoying potential tax benefits. Here are some tips and reminders to help you maximize your charitable giving before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st.

Consider a Donor Advised Fund (DAF): A Smart Giving Strategy

Opening a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with One Valley before the end of the year is a tax-efficient way to support your favorite causes while planning for the future. By contributing to a DAF, you can:

  • Bundle your giving: Make a larger contribution this year to maximize tax benefits, then distribute grants to nonprofits over time.

  • Streamline your giving: Manage all your charitable donations in one place, ensuring simplicity and impact.

  • Support local organizations: Use your DAF to invest in nonprofits that address key community needs, such as housing and youth programs.

  • Deadlines: All forms must be completed and signed by noon on Wednesday, December 18th. Learn more about DAF contribution deadlines here.

Meet Year-End Giving Deadlines

To ensure your gifts qualify for this year’s tax deductions:

  • Checks: Gifts made by check must be postmarked or delivered to the nonprofit in person by December 31st.

  • Online Donations: Online gifts should be made by 11:59 pm on December 31st.

  • Stock, Mutual Fund, and DAF Gifts: Transfers of stocks or mutual fund gifts and contributions from a DAF require extra processing time, so start early! For One Valley fundholders, grant recommendations must be submitted via your online account or email by December 18th at noon.

Explore Local Nonprofits on GiveBigGV.org

The Give Big Gallatin Valley website isn’t just for May—it’s a year-round resource for discovering nonprofits that align with your passions. Browse organizations making an impact in education, health, housing, the arts, and more.

Use the site to:

  • Learn about local nonprofits and their missions.

  • Understand the needs of organizations doing meaningful work in our region.

  • Connect your year-end generosity with the causes that matter most to you.

The Give Big Gallatin Valley website is not currently accepting donations. However, you can still use the site as a valuable directory to discover and connect with local nonprofits doing incredible work in our community.

One Valley is Here to Help

At One Valley Community Foundation, we’re here to partner with you to help maximize the impact of your giving. Whether it’s through a Donor Advised Fund, grantmaking support, or simply a conversation about your philanthropic goals, we’d love to sit down with you and learn more about the impact you hope to have on our community. Contact President & CEO Bridget Wilkinson at bridget@onevalley.org to set up a meeting and start the conversation. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

As you reflect on your year-end giving, we invite you to consider a gift to One Valley. Your support enables us to continue empowering local nonprofits, convening solutions to pressing challenges, and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community for Gallatin County.

One Valley does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. All materials have been provided for informational purposes only. Please consult with your tax, legal, or accounting advisor to ensure any actions align with your individual circumstances.

Anna Burkholder