Did you know that changes to the 2026 charitable giving tax deductions could affect how you support your favorite nonprofits?
Whether you give $50 or $5,000, understanding the new rules can help you make informed decisions about your charitable giving.
Here are a few important changes to know before the end of the year.
A New Tax Deduction for People Who Don’t Itemize
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is a new opportunity for people who take the standard deduction.
Previously, most taxpayers who didn’t itemize couldn’t claim a charitable deduction. Beginning in 2026, eligible taxpayers may deduct qualifying cash gifts to certain charities, even without itemizing.
The new deduction allows up to:
- $1,000 for individual filers
- $2,000 for married couples filing jointly
For example, if you’re married and filing jointly, and you give $500 in qualifying cash gifts to eligible charities during 2026, you may be able to deduct that $500 in addition to taking your standard deduction.
This doesn’t mean you’ll receive $500 back in taxes. A deduction reduces the amount of income subject to tax, and the actual savings depend on your circumstances.
There are restrictions. Gifts to donor-advised funds, private foundations, and certain other organizations do not qualify for this new deduction.
What If You Itemize Your Deductions?
There are changes for taxpayers who itemize, too.
Beginning in 2026, charitable contributions generally must exceed 0.5% of your adjusted gross income before they can be deducted.
For example, if your adjusted gross income is $100,000, the first $500 of your charitable contributions generally won’t qualify for an itemized charitable deduction. Contributions above that amount may qualify, subject to other tax rules.
For taxpayers in the highest federal income tax bracket, the maximum tax benefit from itemized deductions is also generally limited to 35%, rather than 37%.
These changes make it especially important to review your giving plans with a tax professional.
Should You Consider Combining Your Charitable Gifts?
Some donors may benefit from a strategy called bunching.
Instead of making the same charitable contributions every year, you might combine multiple years of planned giving into one year.
For example, rather than giving $3,000 each year for three years, you might consider giving $9,000 in one year.
Depending on your income and other deductions, this approach could help you qualify for a larger itemized deduction in that year.
However, bunching doesn’t benefit everyone. A tax advisor can help determine whether it makes sense for your situation.
Your Giving Still Makes a Difference
Tax benefits can be helpful, but the most important part of charitable giving is the difference your generosity makes.
Whether you’re supporting a favorite nonprofit, investing in the future of Crawford County, or creating a charitable fund that will support important causes for years to come, your giving matters.
Crawford Heritage Community Foundation can work alongside your financial and tax advisors to help you explore options that align with your charitable goals.
The 2026 tax changes are a good reason to revisit your giving plans before December 31.
For additional information about charitable deductions, visit the IRS charitable contributions resource.
Let’s Talk About Your Charitable Goals
You are always welcome to reach out if you would like to talk about how the Community Foundation can support your charitable goals. We have helped many generous people plan meaningful gifts that create lasting impact in our region. Integrity is central to our work. We take your trust seriously and treat every conversation and plan with the highest level of confidentiality.
If you would like to explore options, discuss your vision, or simply ask questions, please contact:
Christian Maher, Executive Director
executive@crawfordheritage.org
814-336-5206