Now is the perfect time to explore ways to lower your taxes while supporting the causes that matter most to you. When you give to the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven before December 31, 2025, your gift not only benefits our community but may also provide tax advantages for you. Each donation allows us to stay focused on our charitable mission—strengthening the Jewish Federation, empowering local Jewish organizations and synagogues, and building a vibrant, resilient Jewish community. Consider making a difference today!
Why Partner with Us?
- Deep Community Roots: With decades of experience, we are deeply connected to the Greater New Haven Jewish community.
- Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable team offers personalized support to help you achieve your philanthropic goals.
- Trusted Stewardship: We are committed to transparency, accountability, and maximizing the impact of your generosity.
Key Year End Charitable Giving Strategies
Appreciated Stock – One of the most tax-efficient strategies for maximizing charitable impact is donating appreciated stock. Charitable gifts of appreciated assets remain a best practice, and with the rise in stock market values over the last 12- 18 months, you may have experienced significant growth in your investment portfolio. By donating shares worth more than their original purchase price, you can potentially receive a tax deduction for the current fair market value of the asset without incurring capital gains taxes.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)/Family DAFs – A DAF allows you to make a significant donation with stock or cash now, receive an immediate tax deduction, and distribute grants to charities on your own timeline. Think of it as a charitable checking account—a convenient way to manage all your giving in one place. The flexibility of a DAF makes it ideal for “bunching” donations, enabling you to maximize tax benefits without altering your regular charitable giving habits.
Retirement Plan Assets – Individuals aged 70½ or older can distribute up to $108,000 per year, tax-free, from an IRA, directly to the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven. Starting at age 73, you can also direct your required minimum distribution (RMD) to the Foundation, avoiding taxable income on that distribution. It may be used to endow your Federation gift, a fund for your synagogue, and/or for any of the causes that are important to you!
‘Bunching’ Charitable Gifts Can Magnify Tax Benefits – Combining two or more strategies (ex; DAF & Appreciated Stock) can enhance your tax savings by “bunching”. The larger contribution can create a bigger tax benefit, and provide a fund from which distributions can be made over several years to satisfy your anticipated charitable giving. This approach is especially helpful for donors who might not otherwise be eligible to itemize their deductions.
Cash Gifts – You may lower your yearly income taxes simply by mailing a check. If it is postmarked by December 31, your gift will be deductible for 2025!
FAQs for Year-End Giving
1. Why should I consider making a gift before December 31?
By making a gift before December 31, you can help strengthen Jewish life in Greater New Haven while also potentially reducing your taxable income for 2025. Your contribution will go directly toward supporting the Jewish Federation, both local Jewish and secular organizations and synagogues, creating a lasting impact on our community.
2. What are the tax benefits of making a donation to the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven?
Contributions to the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Giving appreciated assets, such as stock, or creating a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) can offer additional tax savings by reducing your capital gains tax liability. Contact us now for a consult with our expert tax advisors to understand how your gift may impact your personal tax situation.
3. How can I make my gift?
You have several options:
- Online Donation: Use our secure online portal to make a gift.
- Check: Must be postmarked by December 31 2025, to ensure it qualifies for 2025 tax benefits.
Mail to:
Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven
360 Amity Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525
- Gifts of Stock: You can donate appreciated assets like stock to maximize tax advantages. Contact us for instructions on transferring stock.
- Donor-Advised Fund: If you have a DAF, you can recommend a grant to our foundation easily.
4. Can I designate my gift for a specific cause?
Yes! We’re here to help align your gift with the causes you care most about. Whether you’re passionate about education, social services, or synagogue support, we can help ensure your contribution is directed to the areas of the Jewish community that mean the most to you.
5. What are Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), and how do they work?
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) allows you to make a charitable donation, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants over time to support the causes you love. This can be a great way to streamline your giving while creating a lasting impact. Contact us to learn more about opening a DAF through our foundation.
6. Can I make a legacy gift as part of my year-end giving?
Absolutely. Legacy gifts, or planned gifts, allow you to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the foundation’s mission in perpetuity. Legacy gifts can be structured to provide immediate tax benefits while supporting your community for years to come. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss options.
7. What’s the deadline for my donation to qualify for 2025 tax benefits?
To receive a tax deduction for 2024, your donation must be made by December 31. Online gifts should be submitted by 11:59 PM on December 31, checks should be postmarked by December 31, and stock gifts should be transferred by December 30 to ensure timely processing.
8. How will my donation be used?
You can designate how your donation will be used including supporting the Jewish Federation, local Jewish organizations, and synagogues. Each contribution strengthens our community’s ability to provide critical resources, educational opportunities, and support services.
9. How can I get help with making my donation?
We’re here to assist! If you have questions or would like guidance, please contact us now. We will be happy to help!
10. Are there options for recurring gifts?
Yes! Setting up a recurring monthly gift is an easy way to provide sustained support for our community. Just choose the recurring gift option on our online donation form, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Get Started Today
Take the first step towards impactful giving. Contact us today to learn more about a variety of giving options. Join us in making a difference—one gift at a time.!
EMPOWER YOUR GIVING
At the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, we believe in the power of philanthropy to create lasting change. We have many options for flexible and impactful ways to support the causes you care about most. Whether you’re looking to make a one-time donation, establish a legacy, or engage in ongoing philanthropy, our flexible giving options allow you to make a meaningful impact. Learn more about ways to give by clicking the button below.
In 2024, the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven distributed