𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐬, 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

Before you scroll on to the next headline, I invite you to pause for a moment. Massive changes are coming to nearly every community and income bracket in America — and those of us in philanthropy must be ready.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

Congress has passed major tax-and-spending legislation that will reshape the charitable giving landscape just as millions of Americans face deepening need.

The new law includes substantial cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. Nonprofits serving vulnerable communities will be stretched further than ever before.

At the same time, the bill introduces several tax code changes that will directly affect charitable behavior:

🔹 A universal charitable deduction — up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for couples

🔹 Reduced incentives for wealthier donors — with a higher threshold before deductions apply and a lower cap

🔹 Corporate giving hurdle — companies must give at least 1% of taxable income before qualifying for deductions

These changes may leave donors uncertain. That’s why clear, timely, and trusted communication is essential.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫-𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 (𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐬)

In moments of uncertainty, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have consistently proven to be among the most flexible and responsive tools in philanthropy.

On average DAFs grant over 20% of their assets annually — four times the minimum required of private foundations.

That kind of active, strategic giving is precisely what communities need in times of change. Philanthropy cannot replace lost public funding. But it can play an important role:

>> Supporting nonprofits who are working harder than ever to fill the gap

>> Building resilience and infrastructure for frontline organizations

>> Reinforcing community strength and equity

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐨 𝐖𝐞 𝐆𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We must:

✅ Provide donors with trusted, nonpartisan guidance

✅ Encourage thoughtful, needs-driven grantmaking

✅ Reinforce the essential role of giving in shaping stronger communities

It is a time to step forward with clarity, compassion, and collective resolve.

𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤.

If you are a donor, nonprofit leader, or advisor seeking to navigate these changes or align your DAF strategy with current community needs, let’s talk.

Together, we can turn uncertainty into action.

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https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tedhart_dafs-philanthropy-donoradvisedfunds-activity-7346651559398633473-C196/