Your generosity has strengthened our community in countless ways this year. As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your giving plans, take advantage of available tax benefits, and continue investing in the causes that inspire you. Gulf Coast is here to help make your philanthropy both effective and deeply meaningful.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of your Philanthropy Team as you consider your year-end giving needs.
Our entire Gulf Coast team is ready to assist donors and their professional advisors with year-end giving.
SMART GIVING STRATEGIES BEFORE DECEMBER 31
Bundle Your Giving With the One Big Beautiful Bill introducing new charitable giving rules in 2026, this year presents a unique opportunity to maximize deductions under current law. By consolidating several years of charitable contributions into 2025, you can secure today’s higher deduction and then grant to nonprofits over time through your donor advised fund.
Give Appreciated Stock Donating long-term appreciated stock is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. You can bypass capital gains taxes and stretch your charitable dollars further. With markets near record highs, completing stock transfers before year-end could be especially advantageous.
IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions If you’re 70½ or older, you may transfer up to $108,000 this year directly from your IRA to Gulf Coast, reducing your taxable income while supporting important causes. Although these gifts cannot fund donor advised funds, they can still support the charities you’re passionate about through a designated fund, or by being directed to our initiatives or other causes you care deeply about. *We recommend that you consult with your personal tax advisor or financial professional to determine the strategies that are most appropriate for your individual circumstances. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice.
YEAR-END GIVING & GRANTING
To ensure your grants from your donor advised fund reach the organizations you support by year-end, please submit your recommendations through the donor portal (preferred) or through your Philanthropic Advisor by December 19, 2025December 2025.
TRANSFORMING OUR REGION, TOGETHER
Your philanthropy powers Gulf Coast’s efforts to address the region’s greatest challenges - from affordable housing and mental health to environmental resilience and rapid response. You may direct your gift to one of these initiatives, to a specific fund, or to our Area of Greatest Need Fund.
You can give to a Gulf Coast fund through your donor advised fund, IRA rollover, or legacy plans. Our Philanthropic Advisors are ready to help you create the greatest impact for the causes that matter most to you.
MAKE YOUR GIFT COUNT FOR 2025
Your Need-to-Know Date: December 31
CHECKS
Postmarked by December 31 if sent via U.S. Postal Service. Courier or hand-delivered checks must arrive by the morning of December 31.
WIRE
For cash gifts via wire transfer, instruct your financial institution to wire your contribution on or before December 31.
STOCK
Gifts of stock must be received into Gulf Coast’s account by 5:00 p.m. on December 31. Please contact us for transfer instructions. We recommend initiating by mid-December to ensure processing time.
MUTUAL FUNDS
Gifts of mutual funds must be received into Gulf Coast’s account by 5:00 p.m. on December 31. Please contact us for transfer instructions. We recommend initiating by the first of December to ensure processing time.
GIVE ONLINE
You can also make a credit-card gift online to the Area of Greatest Need Fund, Rapid Response Fund, or initiative at Gulf Coast.
YOUR PHILANTHROPY TEAM