Skip to Global Menu Skip to Page Content Skip to Footer

End-of-Year Giving: A Win-Win for You and Your Community

12/9/2024 12AM

Earlier this year, Allied Solutions Center welcomed nearly 1,000 students from throughout central Indiana to the Palladium for a free performance of "Keep Marching: The Road to the March on Washington," a stage production exploring the Civil Rights Movement. Supported by donors, these Student Matinees and accompanying Transportation Grants make the arts accessible to kids who might otherwise not have such opportunities.


Donors' generosity supports programs for all ages

 

As the calendar year draws to a close, many people take stock of their personal and financial lives, including opportunities to give back. Charitable giving at the end of the year, especially before the tax-deduction deadline of December 31, offers a unique chance to support causes you care about while reaping financial benefits.

 

End-of-year giving has become a tradition for many individuals and families, as well as for the organizations that rely on this critical time to meet annual fundraising goals. In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s beneficial to give before the year ends and how it can make a meaningful difference for both the giver and the recipient.

 

Maximize Your Tax Benefits

 

One of the most compelling reasons to give before the end of the year is the potential tax deduction. Under U.S. tax law, charitable donations made to qualified organizations by December 31 may be deducted from your taxable income, lowering your tax bill. While tax reform in recent years has made it more challenging for some individuals to itemize their deductions, those who do qualify can still take advantage of significant savings.

 

Key Financial Advantages of Charitable Donations:

  • Tax deduction eligibility: Donations to qualified nonprofit organizations are deductible if made before December 31. If you’re looking to lower your taxable income, now is the time to act.
  • Capital gains avoidance: Donating appreciated assets such as stocks can offer dual benefits: You avoid paying capital gains taxes while receiving a deduction based on the asset’s current market value.
  • IRA contributions: Individuals over 70½ years old can donate up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to charity, avoiding taxes on that income while making a significant impact.

 

If you plan to give, it’s essential to keep proper documentation, including receipts and written acknowledgments, from the organizations you support. These documents are crucial for claiming any tax benefits.

 

Why Nonprofits Depend on Year-End Giving

 

For many nonprofit organizations, the final quarter of the year can make or break their annual fundraising goals. End-of-year giving campaigns are often structured around holiday generosity and the urgency of the tax deadline, but there’s more to it than just clever marketing.

 

Many nonprofits rely on these donations to fund their programming, services and operational costs throughout the year. For organizations that run on tight budgets, the influx of year-end donations can provide a lifeline that allows them to continue their work.

 

The Impact of Your Donation:

  • Funding critical programs: Your donation helps ensure that programs continue to serve communities and meet urgent needs. Whether it's providing meals to families, offering educational resources or supporting the arts, every dollar counts.
  • Operational support: Nonprofits need more than just project funding. They also require operational funds for staff salaries, office space and technology. Year-end giving often supports these essential but less glamorous aspects of nonprofit work.
  • Building a reserve: A strong year-end fundraising campaign allows organizations to build financial reserves, offering them stability during leaner months when donations may not be as plentiful.

 

Here at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, your donation fuels transformative programs that enrich lives and inspire creativity. Your generosity directly supports initiatives like:

  • Free Student Matinees: No-cost performances for school groups, inspiring young minds through exposure to world-class art.
  • Transportation Grants: Helping schools offset costs so students can attend educational performances, ensuring equitable access to the arts.
  • The Prism Project performing arts camp: Empowering youth with disabilities through inclusive, creative arts experiences designed to celebrate their unique abilities.
  • New Works commissions: Supporting Indiana artists in creating innovative, original works, amplifying local voices and fostering cultural growth.

 

By giving, you help make the arts accessible to everyone, building a vibrant and inclusive community for all.

 

In addition to benefiting financially, donating can provide a sense of fulfillment. Knowing that your contribution is making a difference in the lives of others often results in a deep sense of connection to the cause, fostering personal satisfaction and a sense of community.

 

The Time Is Now: Plan Your End-of-Year Giving

 

As the year comes to a close, now is the perfect time to plan your giving strategy. By donating before December 31, you not only benefit from the opportunity to lower your taxable income but also make a lasting difference in your community. Consider setting a budget for your charitable giving, identifying organizations you want to support, and making your donation early to avoid the last-minute rush.

 

If you want to make an even more significant impact, consider sharing your giving plans with family and friends. Encouraging others to give can multiply the impact and provide organizations with the support they need to continue their good work.

 

Support Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

 

As you consider your year-end giving options, we encourage you to support our work at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Located in Carmel, Indiana, we are a world-class venue that provides a platform for artists, musicians, and performers, enriching the community with diverse and inspiring cultural experiences.

 

There are several ways to provide support. You can make a one-time donation, give from your donor-advised fund, give gifts of stock and appreciated securities, roll over your IRA distribution, request a match from your employer, or explore planned giving options for a long-term impact. Whether you choose to give online, by mail, or over the phone, your generosity will help Allied Solutions Center continue its mission of fostering creativity and enriching the community with world-class performances. Every donation, large or small, makes a difference.

 

By making a donation to the Center before December 31, you can help sustain our mission of providing high-quality performances and educational opportunities while benefiting from potential tax deductions. Your support will allow the Center to continue offering unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.

 

This holiday season, give the gift of art and culture. Your generosity can make a lasting difference.

 

Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that aims to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. We are responsible for the operation and programming of a multidisciplinary performing arts campus in Carmel, Indiana that presents scores of events each year and provides space and support services for six resident companies: Actors Theatre of Indiana, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Civic Theatre, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, and Indiana Wind Symphony. Explore our upcoming events and experiences, or support our work and the expansion of the arts today!