Open a new donor advised fund with The Associated before December 31, 2025 and we will give you up to $1,000 to give away to a charity of your choice. Eligible grants for the incentive include: The Associated, any of its agencies and programs, Baltimore synagogues and day schools and not-for-profits whose mission is to support Israel.

What if you don’t itemize your taxes?

In 2025 you can’t deduct charitable contributions.  

However, in 2026 you will be able to deduct up to $1,000 (individual) or $2,000 (couples) for charitable cash gifts, but your gift will not apply to DAFs.

Smart Move: Consider making your 2026 donation to The Associated’s Annual Campaign in 2025 to meet the threshold to itemize and deduct the full amount.

Smart Move: If you’re in the highest tax bracket, giving before 2026 increases your tax savings per dollar donated.

For example, if you’re in the highest tax bracket (37%) and you make a $10,000 qualifying charitable donation, your tax savings would be:

2025 Tax Savings (37%) = $3,700
2026 Tax Savings (35%) = $3,500

Timeless Tax Tips:

If you’re 70½+, make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA, up to $108,000 (individual) or $216,000 (couples) directly to a charity tax-free and it can count towards your RMD.

Additionally, the expanded QCD remains in effect to allow for a one-time $54,000 distribution to charities through Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Unitrusts, and Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts.

Donate appreciated assets (stocks, real estate, etc.) for a tax deduction of the full fair market value and avoid capital gains tax.