A new year brings new opportunities to make a lasting impact, and the ELCA Foundation is here to help you align your generosity with your financial goals. As tax season begins, this is the perfect time to explore tax-advantaged giving strategies that allow you to support the ministries you love while maximizing financial benefits. Read more info from ELCA Foundation here.

Consider these creative ways to give:

• Appreciated Securities: Donating stocks or mutual funds can help you avoid capital gains taxes while providing an income tax deduction.

• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA, reducing taxable income and possibly lowering your Medicare premiums.

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Simplify your charitable giving while engaging your family in shared philanthropy.

• Real Estate Gifts: Donating property can provide a significant charitable deduction while avoiding capital gains taxes.

• Beneficiary Designations: Naming an ELCA ministry as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy ensures a lasting legacy.

• Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): These allow you to receive income during your lifetime while leaving a meaningful gift for the ministries you cherish.

In a year of political and financial shifts, having a strategy for generosity is more important than ever. You don’t have to navigate this alone—I’m here to help! Let’s discuss how you can align your giving with your goals in the most impactful way.

Reach out to me, Lisa Higginbotham, at Lisa.Higginbotham@elca.org or (805) 910-5048 to start the conversation.