The Chat – 3 Tips for Impactful Giving

Straight from the desk of Kelsey Ridder, Chief Development Officer at OHB

Ready or not we are closing in on the final few months of 2024! As we approach the end of the year, many of you may be reflecting on how you can make a meaningful impact through charitable giving before the year comes to a close. Following are three simple tips that I have found to be helpful when trying to maximize contributions and ensure they make the most significant impact.

1. Plan your giving strategy.

Take some time to review your finances and decide how much you can comfortably donate. Consider focusing your donations on a few causes that matter most to you and research organizations to ensure they align with your values. By planning ahead, you can make thoughtful, impactful contributions rather than last-minute decisions.

2. Take advantage of any matching gifts available to you.

Many employers offer matching gift programs where they match the donations their employees make to eligible nonprofit organizations. Check with your HR department to see if your employer participates in such a program. This is a fantastic way to double or even triple the impact of your donation without any additional cost to you.

3. Keep track of your donations.

Properly documenting your charitable contributions is crucial for tax purposes. Make sure to keep receipts and acknowledgment letters from the organizations you donate to. If you itemize your deductions on your tax return, these records can help you claim a charitable deduction, potentially lowering your taxable income and increasing the funds you have available to give in the future.

Ready to plan your year-end giving to OHB? Let’s chat! I can be reached at kridder@ohb.org or 402-457-7014.

Kelsey