Smart Ways to Give

Smart Ways to Give

New Tax Deductions

Recent tax law changes may change how you like to give.

• Starting with the 2026 tax year, nonitemizers can claim a new permanent deduction of $1,000 (or $2,000 for joint filers) for their charitable contributions.
• A temporary Senior Tax Deduction increases that to $6,000 for single filers and $12,000 for joint filers through 2028.  
• New limits are in place for itemizers and high earners, so consult with your tax professional about the best ways to give for you.

Many people like to support Earthworks in different ways. There are more smart, tax‑wise ways to give that can make your gift go further—for you and for the environment.

Give at Work

Many employers offer ways to support the causes you care about most via payroll deductions, matching gifts, and fundraising campaigns. Some will even match your donation by 2x or 3x, multiplying your gift’s impact! Ask your employer about how to participate in your workplace giving campaign.

Stocks and Other Appreciated Assets

If you own stocks, mutual funds, or other investments that have gone up in value, you may be able to give more to protect communities and the environment—at a lower after‑tax cost to you. If you transfer appreciated securities directly to Earthworks instead of selling them, you may be able to claim a charitable deduction for their fair market value and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are age 70½ or older, you can give directly to Earthworks from your traditional IRA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). 

Ask your IRA custodian to send a distribution directly from your IRA to Earthworks. If you are subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), a QCD can count toward satisfying your RMD. The amount given as a QCD is excluded from your taxable income (up to the annual limit defined by law), even if you do not itemize deductions.

For many supporters, QCDs are one of the most tax‑efficient ways to give—especially if you no longer itemize deductions.

It can take up to 2-3 weeks to process a QCD, so please be sure to reach out to your IRA custodian early if you’d like to make sure you receive the benefit this tax year.

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)

Donor Advised Fund (DAF)s, offered through financial firms, community foundations, or charities, allow you to make tax deductible contributions, including cash and appreciated assets, when it’s convenient for you. The funds can be invested and potentially grow tax-free, expanding your impact over time. 

You can recommend grants to Earthworks in the amounts and on the schedule that makes sense for you. You can make one-time gifts or recurring grants that provide Earthworks with reliable support throughout the year. Granting from your DAF allows you to respond quickly to urgent needs without affecting your day-to-day cash flow. 

Bequests and Estate Gifts 

Adding Earthworks to your will is one of the most meaningful ways that you can express your values. The next time you review your estate plan, please consider leaving a lasting legacy of environmental protection.

• It’s easy: all you need to do is insert a few words into your will or name Earthworks as a beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy.
• It’s revocable: you can make changes to your plans at any time
• It’s smart: bequests to qualified charities like Earthworks are fully tax deductible 

You can leave a gift to Earthworks while also providing for the people you love. Talk to your lawyer or financial advisor about how you can protect the environment for generations to come. 

Contact us at philanthropy@earthworksaction.org if you would like to learn more about any of these giving options or need assistance in making a gift.