Effective December 24, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service has changed how it defines the official postmark date, which could impact the timing of when checks mailed to nonprofits “count” for IRS charitable deduction purposes. All of this adds up to an important opportunity to remind clients about the benefits of giving to their favorite charities in ways other than writing a check.
These tips from Merrill can help you pursue your goals and make the most of your financial plan.
You are doing all the right things, contributing to a 401(k), saving for your kids’ college, using debt strategically and more. But have you pulled all those pieces together into a real financial plan? One that considers unexpected life events, taxes, inflation and changing market conditions? One that projects the likelihood that you will reach your goals and suggests adjustments to help you overcome hurdles along the way?
The Community Foundation’s Resilient Communications: Cutting Through the Noise During ChallengingTimes webinar was a great learning experience for nonprofit leaders seeking to strengthen their missions through more intentional storytelling and messaging. Participants learned that organizations that consistently prioritized effective communication and emotionally resonant stories were better equipped to deliver on their missions, inspire donors, and offer hope during challenging moments.
Sue Aft was known for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Those who knew her saw firsthand the way she reached out to people in need and made them feel valued.
Her husband, Rabbi Bruce Aft, is determined to ensure that Sue’s impact continues long after her passing. “Sue’s legacy is her kindness and willingness to reach out to her students wherever they were and help them with whatever their needs were at any given time.”
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties announce that the Loudoun Impact Fund and Creighton Gives, an initiative by Creighton Farms, have awarded $246,000 in grants to 29 local nonprofit organizations providing services to Loudoun residents in need. This marks a record-breaking year for the Loudoun Impact Fund.
A Legacy of Stewardship Lives On
When ANSER launched their Community Giving Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, the goal was clear: to make a meaningful difference in the communities where its employees live and work. For the inaugural grant cycle, ANSER chose to honor one of its own—Tom Apperson, Senior Advisor at Avalon Net Worth, a dedicated Board member who served for more than 20 years and retired this November.
Questions?
Questions?
