Year-End Giving Starts Now

As year-end approaches, the Heritage team is already helping clients review and coordinate their charitable plans for 2026.

Although December 31 receives much of the attention, some charitable contributions require several weeks to process. We help clients anticipate the year-end deadlines published by custodians such as Fidelity Charitable and DAFgiving360 (formerly Schwab Charitable), including transactions that may need to begin as early as November.

We recommend beginning early when a plan may include:

• Private business interests
• Restricted or closely held stock
• Alternative investments
• Other complex or illiquid assets

Because these gifts often require additional review and processing, our team works with clients and their other advisors to begin the necessary steps well before year-end.

We typically begin by mid-November when coordinating transfers of:

• Mutual funds
• Securities held at another custodian
• Assets being moved into a donor-advised fund from outside Fidelity or Schwab

These transactions frequently involve multiple institutions. Heritage helps coordinate the process, follow up with the appropriate parties, and allow time for the transfer to be completed.

Some gifts may allow more flexibility, including:

• Cash contributions
• Check contributions
• Gifts of security already held at Fidelity or Schwab
• Grand recommendations from an existing donor-advised fund

Event with simpler gifts, year-end volume can create delays. We monitor timing with clients and help initiate the appropriate steps before December becomes especially busy.

Beyond the Tax Deduction

Year-end planning also gives us an opportunity to help clients step back and consider the bigger questions:

• What value do you hope your philanthropy reflects?
• What issues, organizations, or communities matter most to you?
• What impact would you like your giving to have over time>
• How might charitable giving be a way to engage children or grandchildren in meaningful family conversations?

Heritage clients do not have to navigate these questions on their own. Carrie Miller, Director of Philanthropy at Heritage, works alongside clients and their advisory teams to clarify charitable goals, coordinate giving strategies, and guide family conversations. She can also facilitate Heritage's Legacy Navigator, a conversation tool that helps individuals and families reflect on their values, priorities, and the legacy they hope to build through their giving.

Whether the goal is to support meaningful causes, increase the impact of appreciated assets, involve the next generation, or integrate charitable giving with broader financial and tax planning, Heritage can help lead the process and coordinate the details. Beginning the conversation now gives our team the greatest flexibility to put a thoughtful plan in place before year-end deadlines arrive.

Philanthropy in Focus

For additional ideas and inspiration, listen to Heritage's Philanthropy in Focus podcast, hosted by Carrie Miller. Each episode offers an inside look at nonprofit organizations and community leaders making a difference, helping donors connect their wealth with purpose and impact.

Each year-end gift can be a thoughtful step in the legacy you are building over time.