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Giving in Difficult Times

1. Focus on immediate needs. Many nonprofits that provide basic human services (food, shelter, healthcare) are experiencing significant increases in demand for their programs and assistance. Consider focusing your contributions, even if they are less than in the past, on organizations that support those most affected by the different, difficult time we are in.
2. Give strategically. Think about focusing on groups that serve the most people or that are the most efficient. It could also mean giving larger gifts to fewer organizations in order to make a more significant impact.
3. Give different assets or name MCCF as a beneficiary. In place of securities, consider giving real estate or naming Middlesex County Community Foundation as a beneficiary on your life insurance policies, IRAs, 401k or an interest in a privately held company.
4. Take advantage of the IRA Charitable Rollover. This provision was extended through December 31, 2009. The law allows people 70˝ or older to transfer up to $100,000 annually from an IRA directly to a nonprofit organization without counting those assets as income. Click here to learn more.
5. Turn family and friend celebrations into charitable donations. Break with tradition! Consider making donations to charities instead of giving birthday, anniversary or holiday gifts. Donations can be made in the name of the individual who would have received the gift.
6. Think “Long Term”. If you need to give less this year, use this time to revise your long-term giving strategy and set five-year goals. Middlesex County Community Foundation can offer guidance and assistance as you lay out your giving plans.
7. Think about Leaving a Legacy. Estate planning is always important, both in good times and bad. Think about what you want your legacy to be, especially in the area of charitable giving. Legacy giving includes bequests in wills or testamentary trusts, gifts of retirement assets, and gifts of insurance policies. Middlesex County Community Foundation can offer guidance on and assistance with your giving decisions.
8. Give more – if you can. Overall donations may be down – in a time when the needs are greatest. If you can afford it, you may want to give more to help nonprofits keep up with the demand. Remember to research your employer's matching gift policies.
9. Think about other ways to give. Consider other ways to help those in need, in addition to your charitable donations. Volunteer; share your talents; bring a friend to help out your favorite charity.
10. Encourage your children to get involved. What a perfect way to spend some quality family time by researching the various charitable organizations in Middlesex County and deciding how and how much you all can help in these difficult times. It’s also a way to encourage and teach our children compassion and how to help.
11. Remember the Arts, the Humanities and the Environment. They all enrich our lives……in good times and in bad. These organizations need your help now more than ever.
12. Ask for help. Middlesex County Community Foundation can offer assistance on how to make charitable contributions that meet both charitable and financial goals. We’re here to help you make a difference and to be as effective as possible in your charitable giving – and to make a difference in the community – NOW and FOREVER.

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