3 important items to add to your 2026 charitable giving checklist
You have good intentions for charitable giving. You want to make a difference, align your generosity with your values, and get your family involved, right?
The combination of busy lives, changing tax laws, and an ever-growing number of worthy causes can make the process overwhelming. If you take a few simple, thoughtful actions now, you can bring clarity and confidence to your giving that lasts the whole year.
Review your 2025 charitable contributions with us. Looking back at last year’s giving can be surprisingly helpful, especially when guided by professionals who understand both philanthropy and the local community. Our experts can help you see the real-world impact of your gifts, identify patterns in your giving, and highlight opportunities you may not have considered. This review also creates a natural bridge to planning your 2026 support, whether that means refining your focus, adjusting gift amounts, or exploring new charitable vehicles. It also lets you think strategically about future years, helping ensure your generosity grows in a way that is both meaningful and sustainable
Talk with your tax advisors about whether and how the new tax laws could impact you. Charitable giving is closely connected to tax and estate planning, and early conversations can help you make informed decisions before the year gets too far along. This is also an ideal time to revisit your estate plan and beneficiary designations. Many donors choose to include a gift to their donor-advised or other type of fund in their wills, trusts, or beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance policies. Coordinating these updates with your tax advisor and ACF can ensure your charitable intentions are clearly documented, tax-efficient, and aligned with your overall financial and estate planning goals.
Set goals for your charitable involvement in 2026. Rather than giving reactively, goal-setting allows you to be proactive and intentional about how you engage with the causes you care about. Did you know ACF conducts site visits and meetings between donors and nonprofits throughout the state? You can get to know more about some of the causes you care about to see if they align with your goals. ACF can help you explore new and emerging charities, learn more about pressing community needs, and connect with organizations that align with your interests. In addition, ACF has several community funds that are used to help during crises or when needs arise across the state, such as our Thriving Arizona Fund. We can help you time your gifts throughout the year, whether through recurring contributions, single large gifts early in the year to help a favorite charity leap ahead, or strategic gifts of highly appreciated or complex assets. This approach not only makes giving more manageable but also helps ensure your generosity has the greatest possible impact.
As you look ahead, remember that you do not have to navigate charitable planning on your own. ACF experts are here, and we are happy to work with your tax advisor. We are grateful for your trust and partnership.
Schedule a charitable giving review with an ACF advisor. Call us at 602.381.1400.