A donation or gift made to a qualified nonprofit organization, which may be tax-deductible if certain conditions are met.
Charitable Contribution
A nonprofit organization that meets IRS requirements for tax-deductible donations, typically classified as a 501(c)(3) entity.
Qualified Charitable Organization
A deduction claimed on Schedule A of a tax return that allows taxpayers to deduct eligible expenses, including charitable contributions, rather than taking the standard deduction.
Itemized Deduction
A charitable giving vehicle that allows donors to make tax-deductible contributions, receive an immediate tax benefit, and recommend grants to charities over time.
Donor-Advised Fund
A direct transfer of funds from an IRA to a qualified charity, which counts toward the required minimum distribution (RMD) and is excluded from taxable income.
Qualified Charitable Distribution
A donation of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have increased in value, allowing the donor to avoid capital gains tax while claiming a charitable deduction.
Gift of Appreciated Securities
A trust that provides** income to a beneficiary for a set period**, with the remaining assets donated to a charity at the end of the term, offering tax benefits.
Charitable Remainder Trust
A trust that provides income to a charity for a specified period, after which the remaining assets are transferred to beneficiaries, potentially reducing estate taxes.
Charitable Lead Trust
A nonprofit organization, typically funded by an individual or family, that makes charitable grants and must meet annual distribution requirements set by the IRS.
Private Foundation
A tax strategy in which donors make multiple years’ worth of charitable donations in a single tax year to exceed the standard deduction and maximize tax benefits.
Bunching Charitable Contributions