Grow Your Giving Power
By Beth Shafer, Growth and Development Coordinator
Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are becoming a popular, flexible way to support local charities. With a DAF, you donate cash or assets—such as appreciated stocks or mutual funds—to a sponsoring organization and receive an immediate tax deduction. You can then recommend grants to your favorite charities, such as Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation (VMHCF), over time, while your remaining balance grows tax-free.
How it works:
- Choose a sponsoring organization (like Fidelity Charitable or Edward Jones).
- Contribute cash or assets.
- Let the funds grow tax-free.
- Recommend grants (donations to charities) whenever you’re ready.
For example, donating appreciated stock lets you avoid capital gains taxes and may increase how much you can ultimately give. A gift made in 2025 can be deducted this year, even if you distribute grants in the future. One VMHCF donor recently said, “My DAF makes giving easy, helps me save on taxes, and ensures my gift grows to support the hospital I trust.”
Why 2025 matters:
• New rules starting in 2026 will reduce charitable tax deductions, making 2025 a more favorable year to give.
• Donating several years’ worth of gifts into a DAF now may allow you to itemize this year and use the standard deduction in later years—while still supporting charities annually through your DAF.
For questions about donating to the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation, contact Beth Shafer, Growth and Development Coordinator, at 563-568-3411. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donation support the health and wellness of the hospital and the surrounding communities.
Always consult a tax or financial advisor before donating.
