By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA
Charitable giving doesn’t have to be tied to a deadline or a particular season. In fact, some of the most meaningful and effective philanthropic decisions happen when donors take a step back to look at the bigger picture: your values, your assets, and the impact you want to make over time. This is especially true in light of recent tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill, which updated several rules related to charitable giving and philanthropy.
While moments of heightened attention—such as when laws change—often prompt donors to take another look at their plans, the reality is that thoughtful charitable strategies are most effective when considered proactively, not reactively. Understanding how current rules impact your goals can help make the most of every opportunity to give, both for community impact and for your overall financial plan.
Here are three common situations where a little planning—and a conversation with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia—can make a meaningful difference.
1. If You’re Over 70½ and Give Regularly to Charity
If you are retired or nearing retirement, you may be looking for smart, simple ways to support the causes you care about.
One option to explore is using Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from an IRA. This allows eligible donors to transfer funds directly to a qualified public charity. These gifts can count toward required minimum distributions and may offer tax advantages—especially if you don’t itemize deductions.
What to keep in mind:
Planning ahead makes this process smoother and helps ensure your gift aligns with both your charitable goals and your broader financial picture. The Community Foundation can help you explore whether this approach fits your giving strategy and which types of charitable funds are eligible.
2. If You’re Planning to Sell or Transition a Business
For business owners, moments of transition can create powerful philanthropic opportunities.
By contributing a portion of business interests to a donor-advised fund at CFNOVA before a sale, you may be able to:
- Receive a charitable income tax deduction
- Reduce or avoid capital gains tax on the contributed portion
- Increase the amount available for charitable giving
This approach can help turn a business milestone into lasting community impact.
What to keep in mind:
Timing is critical. These strategies work best when explored early in the process, well before a sale is completed. The Community Foundation can collaborate with you and your advisors to ensure your plan aligns with your values and long‑term goals.
3. If You Hold Appreciated Stocks or Other Assets
If your investments have grown in value, you may have the opportunity to give in a more impactful way.
Contributing appreciated assets—such as publicly traded stock—to a charitable fund at the Community Foundation can be an effective way to turn market gains into meaningful impact.
Rather than giving cash, donating appreciated assets may allow you to avoid capital gains on the donated portion while supporting the causes and organizations you care about most.
It is a simple and powerful way to turn market growth into community benefit.
What to keep in mind:
Your financial situation and the market will evolve over time. Reviewing your giving strategy periodically can help ensure you’re using the most effective tools available to support your philanthropy.
A Partner for Your Ongoing Philanthropic Journey
As always, our goal at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is to serve as your go-to sounding board on all matters related to charitable giving. We also often work directly with our donors’ professional advisor teams, whether that is your financial or tax advisor or estate attorney, to make sure you have the right resources and tools to make your hopes a reality.
Whether you’re exploring a new opportunity or refining an existing plan, we’re here to serve as a trusted resource, helping you give thoughtfully, strategically, and with lasting impact.
Interested in exploring these strategies? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Kathleen Lowenthal
Development Officer
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please contact your financial, tax, and legal professionals for more information specific to your situation.
The Community Foundation team is happy to help you structure charitable giving tools and plans to achieve your clients’ philanthropic goals—whether through beneficiary designations or any other type of charitable giving vehicle. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!
Questions?
Questions?
