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As the year draws to a close, I always get questions about was to manage year-end giving better. Many of us turn our attention to charitable giving in these final days of the year – whether fulfilling pledges, taking advantage of tax benefits, or simply acting on the generous impulses that the season inspires. But beyond deciding how much to give, it’s worth considering how we give. Small changes in approach can amplify your impact and strengthen your relationships with the organizations doing work you care about.
Here are some practical and relatively easy ways to give more thoughtfully at this year’s end:
1. Share appreciation alongside your gift
When you send a donation, take a moment to include a note explaining what moved you to give. Tell the organization what their work means to you, which program or story resonated, or how you’ve seen their impact firsthand.
Nonprofit staff often work long hours for modest pay, fueled largely by mission. Your words of encouragement can sustain them through challenging times and remind them that their work matters to real people. A heartfelt message costs nothing but can mean everything to an organization navigating uncertain funding landscapes. Over the years many people on the nonprofit side have told me that the notes I carved out the time to send were highlights of their year-end.
2. Make multiyear commitments to your core organizations
If there are groups you know you’ll support year after year, consider telling them so. A multiyear pledge – even if you make annual payments – gives organizations the confidence to plan beyond the next funding cycle. They can invest in staff development, launch longer-term initiatives, and weather short-term setbacks without panic. You don’t need to formalize this legally. Even an email saying, “I plan to give annually for the next three years,” provides invaluable planning stability (but if you’re willing to make a formal pledge, that’s even more helpful as they can show that on their books to other funders for example). For organizations you truly believe in, this predictability can be more valuable than a single larger gift.
3. Cover transaction costs
If you’re making gifts online, remember that most donation platforms charge processing fees, typically 2-3% for credit cards. Many organizations absorb these costs, meaning your $100 gift becomes $97-98 in their accounts. When you’re giving, consider adding a small amount to cover these fees, or look for the checkbox that offers to do so automatically. Some organizations also offer direct bank transfer options that avoid fees entirely. These small additions accumulate significantly, preserving more resources for mission work rather than administrative overhead.
4. Give unrestricted support wherever possible
It’s tempting to designate gifts for specific programs or projects that capture your imagination, but unrestricted gifts are often what organizations need most. General operating support allows nonprofits to keep the lights on, retain staff, invest in technology and infrastructure, and respond nimbly to emerging needs. The least glamorous expenses – insurance, accounting, rent – are what enable program work to happen at all. If you trust an organization enough to support them, trust their leadership to allocate resources where they’re needed most. Unrestricted funding is a vote of confidence in their judgment and expertise.
5. Research matching opportunities
Before you give, check whether your employer offers donation matching – many companies will double or triple your contribution. Some employers also match volunteer hours with cash donations. Beyond corporate matching, some individual donors or family foundations offer year-end matching challenges to organizations, particularly smaller nonprofits trying to reach fundraising goals. Your donation might be multiplied simply by asking the organization if any matches are currently available, or by spending five minutes on your company’s HR portal.
6. Consider giving appreciated assets
If you hold stocks, cryptocurrency, or other appreciated assets, donating them directly can be more tax-efficient than selling them and donating cash. You avoid capital gains taxes while still getting a charitable deduction for the full market value. Many donor-advised funds and larger nonprofits can accept these gifts easily. For significant donations, this approach can increase the effective value of your giving by 20% or more compared to selling the assets first. Consult with a tax advisor if you’re unfamiliar with this strategy.
7. Bundle your giving strategically
If you itemize deductions, consider “bunching” multiple years of giving into one tax year to exceed the standard deduction threshold, then taking the standard deduction in other years. Talk with your accountant about whether this could empower you to give more over a two-year period at the same cost to you as you had originally budgeted. Donor-advised funds make this strategy easy: you can contribute a larger amount this year (getting the tax benefit now), then distribute grants to charities over several years. This approach works particularly well if you expect higher income this year, or if you’re approaching the standard deduction threshold but not quite reaching it with your normal giving pattern.
The most important thing about year-end giving isn’t perfecting your strategy – it’s simply showing up for causes and communities you care about. These suggestions are meant to enhance, not complicate, your generosity. Choose one or two that resonate with you, and remember that the spirit behind your giving matters as much as the mechanics. The organizations receiving your support are grateful either way, and the people they serve are better off because you chose to act.
