17 Dec You Can Give More to Charity — Without Giving More Money
Many donors support charitable causes they care deeply about — but not everyone realizes there are tax-smart ways to give that can increase impact while reducing taxes or out-of-pocket costs.
This article was published in The Villages Daily Sun (12/8/2025 pg. D12) and explains several practical giving strategies donors often overlook, and how thoughtful planning can help your charitable dollars go further while supporting causes that matter in our community.
New for 2026 Tax season and beyond
Also be aware that a new permanent tax policy effective for 2026 allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to also claim an “above-the-line” deduction for cash donations to qualified public charities.
The key details of this new deduction are:
- Deduction Amount: Up to $1,000 for single filers and up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
- Donation Type: Must be a cash contribution made directly to a qualified 501(c)(3) public charity. This includes checks, credit card payments, and bank transfers.
- Ineligible Donations: Gifts to donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, or private foundations do not qualify for this specific deduction.
- Requirement: Taxpayers must obtain a written acknowledgment from the charity for any single contribution of $250 or more.
👉 Read the article to learn how smarter giving can help organizations like My Special Place serve more families and change more lives.