Partnering With You to Make Giving Easier

September 2025 – Generosity CORNER – In today’s ever-changing economic and legislative environment, we encourage you to lean on the experience and guidance of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Whether you are already a Fundholder or are considering starting a Fund, we are here to help you achieve your goals for improving the quality of life in our community while also meeting your estate planning and financial objectives.

Not sure when to reach out? Here are five situations when a conversation with the Community Foundation can make all the difference:

1. You promised yourself to avoid the year-end giving crunch.
   The last few months of the year are already busy with holiday activities. Add in tax planning and completing charitable giving commitments, and the season can quickly feel overwhelming. The Community Foundation can help you organize your year-end giving early so that it fulfills both your philanthropic and financial goals.
2. You are concerned about drops in local nonprofit funding.
   The Community Foundation has a pulse on local needs and the nonprofits working to address them. We can share insights on challenges facing our community and offer ideas for how your giving can make an impact.
3. Your tax advisor has suggested that 2025 is an important year for charitable donations.
   For individuals who itemize deductions, 2025 may offer unique opportunities. We can work alongside you and your advisors to structure gifts to a Donor Advised Fund or other type of Fund, helping you maximize tax advantages while maintaining steady support for the causes you care about.
4. You are considering the sale of commercial property or private business interests.
   Many people do not realize that gifts of real estate or closely held stock can be made to a Fund at the Community Foundation in advance of a sale. This approach can create significant tax benefits and set aside charitable dollars for impact now or in the future. Connect with us before making final decisions.
5. You are updating your estate plan and want to leave a legacy.
   If you are revising your estate plan or updating beneficiary designations on accounts or policies, consider the Community Foundation as part of your charitable intentions. We will work with your advisors to identify flexible tools that align with your goals and help you explore the tax benefits of various giving options.

Whatever your charitable giving situation, we are here for you. Whether you have already started a Fund or are considering joining us, we look forward to the conversation. At the Community Foundation, it is all about Generosity Across Generations, supporting you in making a meaningful impact today and for years to come.

To discuss the best ways to achieve your philanthropic goals, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 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!