Get Started Now: Your 2026 Charitable Giving Checklist

A new year often inspires people to be more intentional with their charitable giving. Many want to make a difference; support causes that match their values, and even involve their families, but it can be hard to know where to start. With busy schedules, changing tax laws, and so many worthy causes, getting started can feel overwhelming. The good news is that a few simple steps at the start of the year can help you feel clear and confident about your giving.

Here are three steps to inspire you: 

Consider reviewing your 2025 charitable contributions with the team at FCCF. Reviewing last year’s giving can be very helpful, especially with guidance from professionals who know both philanthropy and the local community. The community foundation can show you the impact of your gifts, spot patterns in your giving, and point out new opportunities. This review also helps you plan your 2026 support, whether you want to focus your efforts, change your gift amounts, or try new ways of giving. It also helps you start thinking ahead, so your generosity can grow in a meaningful and lasting way. 

Talk with your tax advisors about how the new tax laws might impact your situation. Charitable giving is closely tied to tax and estate planning, so having early conversations can help you make good decisions before the year moves forward. This is also a great time to review your estate plan and beneficiary choices. Many donors add a gift to their donor-advised or other fund at the community foundation in their wills or trusts, or as beneficiaries of retirement accounts or life insurance. This creates a lasting legacy that matches their values. Working with your tax advisor and the community foundation can help ensure your charitable plans are clear, tax-smart, and aligned with your overall financial and estate goals. 

Set goals for your charitable involvement in 2026. Setting goals helps you be proactive and thoughtful about supporting the causes you care about, instead of impulse giving. The community foundation can help you find new charities, learn about urgent needs in the community, and connect with groups that match your interests. Together, we can plan when to give throughout the year, whether that means regular donations, a large gift early in the year to help a favorite charity or giving appreciated or complex assets. This makes giving easier and helps your generosity have the most impact. 

As you plan for the future, remember you do not have to handle charitable planning alone. The community foundation is here as your trusted partner, whether you are just starting out, updating your plan, or thinking about the legacy you want to leave. Please reach out anytime to ask questions, share ideas, or take the next step in your giving. We are honored to help you turn your charitable goals into a sustainable impact. 

Want to explore how the Community Foundation can help amplify your impact? Contact Joe Collin, VP of Philanthropy, at JCollin@FCCFoundation.org or call (203) 750-3200.