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Worth a look: Charitable gifts of real estate
As wealth increasingly shifts through appreciated real estate, charitable planning will involve more non-cash assets. While gifts of property require careful structuring and documentation, they can offer significant tax advantages and convert illiquid assets into lasting community impact. With proper coordination, real estate can become a flexible and meaningful tool for philanthropic planning.

Tina O'Brien
Feb 123 min read


Postmarks, rule changes, and remedies for clients’ 2025 charitable gifts
A late-2025 change in USPS postmark procedures created unexpected complications for year-end charitable deductions. Because the IRS relies on postmark dates to substantiate mailed gifts, some contributions intended for 2025 may be treated as 2026 gifts. Advisors can help clients preserve documentation, shift to electronic giving methods, and consider tools such as donor-advised funds to reduce timing risk in future years.

Tina O'Brien
Feb 123 min read


Sudden life changes: Charitable giving can help clients get through it
Major life transitions—divorce, loss, retirement, business change—often reshape financial plans in unexpected ways. In these moments, charitable planning can help clients move from reactive decision-making to values-based action. Whether through a donor-advised, designated, or field-of-interest fund, Kitsap Community Foundation partners with advisors to turn difficult seasons into meaningful, forward-looking strategies that reflect purpose and community impact.

Tina O'Brien
Feb 112 min read


Eye on the storms: Keep giving
When life feels uncertain, it’s natural to reassess your financial plans—including charitable giving. The choice is rarely all-or-nothing. Often, the most thoughtful approach is to adjust the pace, focus, or structure of your giving so it remains both meaningful and sustainable. Kitsap Community Foundation is here to help you explore flexible options that align with your values and current circumstances.

Tina O'Brien
Feb 112 min read


Charitable giving: Timing, timing, timing
While impact stories explain why giving matters, timing often determines when donors act. Life events, tax planning, and moments of urgency all influence readiness to give. By aligning your communications with these natural decision points—and reducing friction around how to give—nonprofits can build trust, support donor decision-making, and strengthen fundraising efforts in 2026 and beyond.

Jo Delaney
Feb 52 min read


Keep going: Why donor-advised funds are still essential
Even with the 0.5% floor and 35% cap now in effect, donor-advised funds remain a highly relevant planning tool. KCF’s DAFs provide flexibility, local expertise, and meaningful opportunities for impact—helping clients align timing, strategy, and community priorities. For advisors, DAFs continue to support long-term, holistic planning and values-driven philanthropy.

Tina O'Brien
Jan 72 min read


What’s new in the numbers: A checklist for charitable tax rules in 2026
Key 2026 tax adjustments—COLA increases, higher standard deductions, shifted brackets, expanded QCD limits, and new non-itemizer deductions—all influence charitable planning. Kitsap Community Foundation can help you guide clients toward tax-efficient giving strategies and ensure their philanthropy remains impactful and aligned with evolving rules.

Tina O'Brien
Jan 73 min read


Underappreciated and overlooked: Why life insurance matters to charitable giving
Even when a life insurance policy is no longer needed for its original purpose, it can still create meaningful charitable impact. Whether you name a fund at KCF as the beneficiary, transfer ownership of an existing policy, or explore more advanced planning strategies, life insurance can offer flexibility, tax benefits, and long-term support for the causes you care about. The KCF team is here to help you evaluate your options.

Tina O'Brien
Jan 72 min read


Get started now: Your 2026 new year checklist for charitable giving
A new year is the perfect time to bring clarity to your charitable giving. By reviewing last year’s contributions, consulting your tax advisors early, and setting thoughtful goals for 2026, you can align your philanthropy with your values. Kitsap Community Foundation is here to help you plan intentionally, explore opportunities, and build a giving strategy that creates lasting impact.

Tina O'Brien
Jan 72 min read


Charitable tax law changes for 2026: Keeping your tax advisors in the loop
A new year is a great time to review your charitable priorities—especially with 2026 tax changes that may affect giving strategies. From new itemizing thresholds to updated incentives for non-itemizers and retirees, it’s important to loop in your tax advisors early. Kitsap Community Foundation is here to coordinate with your financial team so you can meet your charitable goals with clarity and confidence.

Tina O'Brien
Jan 74 min read


Big and small, there is something for every donor
As 2026 begins, tailor strategies for both affluent and entry-level donors. Major donors need personalized engagement and demonstrated impact, especially under new tax rules. At the same time, entry-level donors may increase giving thanks to new above-the-line deductions. Layered, diversified communication helps sustain support across all donor levels. KCF is here to help you build a resilient, inclusive fundraising strategy.

Lillian Xie
Jan 62 min read


Planning for clients’ incapacity: Why charitable intentions matter
As incapacity becomes more common, clearly documenting a client’s charitable intentions is essential to preserving their values and preventing future disputes. Kitsap Community Foundation supports advisors by offering guidance on bequest language, incapacity-ready giving instructions, and aligning intentions across estate documents. Our team is here to help ensure clients’ philanthropic goals remain protected, understood, and honored—even through periods of diminished capacit

Tina O'Brien
Dec 9, 20252 min read


2025 action required: Last call for current tax laws
As you guide clients through year-end planning, 2025 stands out as a pivotal year for charitable strategy. With significant OBBBA tax changes arriving in 2026, now is the time to help donors maximize the value of their contributions and consider tools like donor-advised funds or QCDs. Kitsap Community Foundation is here to support you and your clients in navigating these shifting rules with confidence.

Tina O'Brien
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Countdown to 2026: 10 tips for charitable giving
As 2025 draws to a close, now is the time to review your charitable strategy before next year’s deduction changes. Bunching gifts, using donor-advised funds, giving appreciated stock, and exploring QCDs can all support your goals. Our team at KCF is honored to help you plan wisely for year-end and beyond.

Tina O'Brien
Dec 5, 20252 min read


Tax-deductible, tax-exempt, and need-to-know nuances
Warm/professional excerpt:
As the year comes to a close, many donors are revisiting what qualifies as a tax-deductible gift. The Kitsap Community Foundation can help you navigate the distinctions between nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations so your giving is both effective and aligned with your goals. Whether or not your contributions qualify for a deduction, what matters most is the good they do in our community.

Jo Delaney
Nov 6, 20252 min read


Year-end dynamics: Tax law changes and increasing community needs
Across our region, families are feeling the impact of economic uncertainty and other disruptions. Kitsap Community Foundation can help you align your charitable giving to meet urgent needs and create lasting change—right here in our community.

Tina O'Brien
Nov 6, 20252 min read


Ask for more: Year-end 2025 is an opportunity
As year-end approaches, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to strengthen their outreach. Fewer households are giving—but those who do are giving more strategically. By sharing your impact and inviting donors into your mission, you can inspire meaningful support that sustains your work and our community for the long term.

Tina O'Brien
Nov 6, 20252 min read


Urgent needs, tax law changes, and charitable giving opportunities
Across our region, nonprofits are working tirelessly to meet growing needs during times of uncertainty. Kitsap Community Foundation partners with you to highlight impact, engage donor-advised fund holders, and connect giving to timely tax advantages—all to ensure your organization stays strong and ready to serve our community, today and in the future.

Jo Delaney
Nov 4, 20252 min read


QCDs: It’s time to get loud!
Donors aged 70½ or older can make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) directly from their IRAs to qualified charities—up to $108,000 in 2025—without raising taxable income. By understanding how QCDs work, your nonprofit can guide donors toward tax-smart giving that strengthens both their financial goals and your organization’s mission. The Kitsap Community Foundation team is here to help you navigate and promote this impactful opportunity.

Lillian Xie
Nov 4, 20252 min read


Inherited IRAs: A charitable solution?
Since the SECURE Act ended the traditional “stretch IRA,” advisors and clients alike are looking for new ways to preserve wealth and fulfill charitable intentions. Kitsap Community Foundation can help you explore options like charitable remainder trusts and donor-advised funds to create flexible, tax-smart strategies that balance family legacy with meaningful community impact.

Tina O'Brien
Oct 18, 20252 min read
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