As the year draws to a close, savvy taxpayers are looking for ways to minimize their tax burden and maximize their charitable impact. Year-end tax-deductible donations offer a win-win solution, allowing you to support essential causes while reducing your taxable income.
Now is the moment to give as time is running out to maximize your charitable tax benefits. Starting in 2026, new tax law changes will reduce deduction values and make smaller gifts non-deductible for many donors. By "bunching"—consolidating several years of charitable giving into one gift before December 31—you can exceed the new thresholds and lock in the full tax benefit.
This guide will help you navigate your year-end giving to optimize your tax savings and help people, animals, and the environment through Greater Good Charities.
What are Tax-Deductible Donations and How Much Can You Deduct?
A tax-deductible donation is a contribution of money or goods to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization that can be subtracted from your taxable income. Generally, you can deduct up to 50% of your adjusted gross income, though limitations apply in some cases.
Starting in 2026, taxpayers in the 37% federal income tax bracket will see the value of their charitable deduction benefits capped at 35%.
Are donations to Greater Good Charities 100% tax deductible?
Greater Good Charities is a recognized 501(C)(3) charitable organization. Donations are 100% tax-deductible.
How can I make donations?
While traditional cash and check donations are most immediate, there are additional ways you can contribute to Greater Good Charities to maximize your tax benefits.
- Employer Matching: Double your impact by leveraging your employer's matching program for your Greater Good Charities donation.
- Donor-Advised Funds: Gain flexibility and tax advantages by establishing a donor-advised fund.
- Stocks and Cryptocurrency: Donate appreciated stocks or cryptocurrency to avoid capital gains taxes.
- Vehicle Donations: Give your used car or vehicle a second life while claiming a tax deduction.
- Monthly Donations: Spread your giving to Greater Good Charities throughout the year by making a monthly donation and enjoy consistent tax benefits.
What are the IRS Rules for Year-End Giving?
To be able to deduct a monetary donation, you must ensure you have proper documentation.
- Cash Donations: Bank statements or receipts suffice for most contributions.
- Non-Cash Donations: For donations exceeding $250, obtain a written acknowledgment from Greater Good Charities with details about the value of the goods and services received.
- Donated Items Over $500: Form 8283 and an appraisal are required for deductions at this level.
Can I Make a Tax-Deduction for Volunteering?
While the IRS doesn't allow deductions for your time, expenses related to volunteering can be claimed.
- Mileage to and from volunteer events and donation sites.
- Costs incurred for materials or supplies used during volunteering.
What is the last day to make charitable contributions?
Make sure your Greater Good Charities donations count for the 2025 tax year.
- Web Donations: Submit your contribution by 11:59 PM ET on December 31.
- Mail Donations: Ensure your donation is postmarked by December 31.
- Stock: The day the broker transfers the gift to the charity.
- Option: The day the option is exercised by the charity.
Changes are Coming: Maximize Your Giving Today
1. New limit on charitable deduction value: Given the new limit on charitable deduction value in 2026, if you're in the highest tax bracket and itemize deductions when filing income taxes, your donations will still count in full, but your tax break will be a bit smaller.
Moves to consider:
- Give early: Front-load large future gifts to year-end 2025 to lock in the full 37% deduction value before the cap takes effect. Be mindful of adjusted gross income (AGI) rules, as any unused deduction amount rolled over to 2026 is subject to the 35% cap.
2. Higher deduction floor for itemizers: Also starting in 2026, itemized charitable deductions will only apply if your total donations exceed 0.5% of your AGI. So smaller donations may no longer reduce your tax bill unless they clear this new threshold.
Moves to consider:
- Bunch gifts: Combine several years’ worth of donations into one tax year to clear the deduction floor.
- Look at all of your assets: Donating appreciated stock, life insurance policies, and other non-cash assets may help exceed the floor while unlocking additional tax advantages
3. Universal deduction for non-itemizers: Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction can also deduct up to $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (married couples filing jointly) for cash gifts made directly to qualified operating charities. The deduction excludes donor-advised fund (DAF) contributions, and the cap will adjust with inflation over time.
If you don’t itemize deductions, this gives you a new way to reduce your tax bill while supporting Greater Good Charities. While this tax benefit can't be used with DAFs, it doesn’t lessen the value of DAFs—they remain a powerful tool for strategic, tax-smart giving.
Moves to consider:
- Max it out: If you’re charitably inclined, consider contributing the full allowable amount each year to claim the deduction. Also, many employers will match charitable donations up to certain limits, so check with your employer to see if they can add to your gift.
- Explore a DAF: See how a DAF works and how it may help you have more to give to charity.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about IRS regulations, you can make your year-end donations a powerful tool for both tax savings and charitable impact to Greater Good Charities.
Note: This is not legal or financial advice. Individual situations may vary. We recommend consulting with a financial advisor or tax preparer before filing taxes.