Tough Times, Lasting Impact: Ways to Give in 2025

May 2025 – Generosity CORNER – With rising prices, financial worries, and a lot of uncertainty, 2025 has been a tough year for many people. If you’re thinking about how to support your favorite charities right now, it’s a good idea to take a moment and decide which type of gift makes the most sense for you. Choosing between giving cash or donating stock can affect both your finances and the organizations you care about.

At the DeKalb County Community Foundation, we’re here to answer your questions. Here are a few common questions with some considerations:

• Should I donate stock?

  • If you’re trying to save cash right now but still want to give, donating stocks you’ve owned for a while could be a great option. When you give appreciated stock directly to a Donor Advised Fund or other type of Fund at the Community Foundation, you avoid paying taxes on gains and could receive a tax deduction based on the stock’s current value. We can sell the stock without paying taxes, which means more money goes to the charities you care about. Even though the market has had ups and downs, many people still have stocks that are worth more than what they paid originally—making this a win-win.

• Should I donate cash?

  • If your investments have taken a hit this year, you might feel more comfortable giving cash instead. This allows your investments time to bounce back while still supporting the causes that matter to you. If you already have a Fund with the Community Foundation, contributing cash keeps all your charitable giving in one place—making things much easier when it’s time to file your taxes.

• How does a Donor Advised Fund help during tough times?

  • A Donor Advised Fund gives you flexibility, especially when the economy feels uncertain. You can make a donation when it works best for you and recommend grants to your favorite organizations over time. Many people appreciate having a “charitable reserve” they can rely on, allowing them to keep supporting important causes even when everyday finances are tight.

• What else should I keep in mind this year?

  • Planning your giving during uncertain times not only helps you, but it also provides much-needed stability for the charities in our community. The Community Foundation can help you make long-term plans while making sure urgent needs are still met. Continued support helps these organizations maintain their impact, even when economic times are challenging.

We are here to help you make a difference, even during unpredictable years. Please feel free to reach out to Executive Director Dan Templin if you’d like to talk about the best options to meet your charitable goals. 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

Philanthropy comes in many forms, and every act of generosity makes a difference. In these Generosity CORNER articles, we’ll share ideas for giving, smart strategies for maximizing your charitable impact, and tips on tax-wise giving, legacy planning, and family philanthropy. Whether you’re a charitable estate planning advisor, a longtime donor, or just beginning your giving journey, this space is for you. Inform and inspire!

Together, we can make a lasting difference—one generous act at a time!