By Ashley Coldiron, Chief Development Officer
Since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) became law on July 4, 2025, one question keeps coming up: “What does this mean for charitable planning?”
Here are three high-level reminders to keep in mind as you guide your clients:
1. “I’ll be back.”
While OBBBA extended many favorable provisions—like the higher estate tax exemption—tax laws will continue to change. Today’s tax advantages will not be tomorrow’s tax advantages. Stay in conversation with your clients about their charitable giving plans so you’re ready to pivot when new legislation comes.
2. “Carpe diem.”
2025 is a window of opportunity. Because of OBBBA’s increases to the standard deduction and new rules starting in 2026 (floors and caps on deductions), this is the year to help clients who itemize. “Bunching” gifts into a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation is a smart strategy.
3. “Show me the money!”
Some things never change:
- Appreciated stock is often a more tax-savvy gift than cash.
- IRAs remain powerful planning tools. Naming a fund at the Community Foundation as an IRA beneficiary can avoid both estate and income ta
- For clients who are 70 ½ +, the Qualified Charitable Distribution (“QCD”) is a great way to transfer up to $108,000 (2025’s per-taxpayer limit) income-tax free to a qualified charity, including some types of funds at the Community Foundation.
Reach out to our team anytime We’re honored to be your first call when charitable giving comes up in client conversations.