Tips for Year-End Giving
- With a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), you can make a tax-deductible contribution before year-end, allowing you to deduct up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) when giving cash to qualified charities. This flexibility enables you to plan your donations over time, yet benefit from immediate tax savings — especially helpful, as DAF contributions have increased by 33% in recent years, reflecting donors’ appreciation for this strategic approach.
- For longer-term impact, Designated and Field-of-Interest Funds offer a way to support specific causes that matter to you. Additionally, those aged 70½ and older can contribute up to $105,000 annually from their IRAs to charitable funds without incurring taxable income, making this a popular year-end strategy for many donors.
- Finally, Legacy Giving options provide significant benefits, not only in estate tax savings but in fulfilling the long-term charitable goals that align with your legacy. At year-end, your gifts can make a difference for both you and your favorite causes, ensuring that your philanthropic intentions continue well beyond the calendar year.
2026 YEAR-END PROCEDURES: GRANTS & CONTRIBUTIONS
Your support has made a significant impact on our community, and we thank you! As the year-end giving season is fast approaching, we are pleased to provide information to help make your charitable planning smooth and efficient.
Below are guidelines and dates to ensure timely processing of gifts and grants. Gifts must be received by Thursday, December 31 for 2026 tax purposes. When making a gift, please indicate the fund name and necessary details so we can accurately process your contribution.
Types of Contributions
| Type of Contribution | Estimated Process Time | Guidelines | Deadline |
| Privately-held Assets Examples: closely-held stock, partnership, LLC interests |
5-7 business days | Contact: Amy Fair, [email protected] or 615-695-2782 |
Friday, November 6 |
| Real Estate | 7-10 Business Days | Contact: Amy Fair, [email protected] or 615-695-2782 |
Friday, November 6 |
| IRA Distributions, Charitable Rollover* | 3-4 weeks | Contact your IRA administrator and your Relationship Manager. | Friday, November 27 |
| Gift of Stock | 3-5 business days |
Please check with your broker for the exact timing to complete a stock transfer. For year-end purposes, electronic transfers should be completed by December 21. For stock instructions, please contact [email protected]. |
Monday, December 21 |
| Estate Gift Examples: bequest, IRA, retirement plan beneficiary designations, life insurance |
1-2 business days | Contact: Amy Fair, [email protected] | 615-695-2782 or Cathy R. Sheffield, [email protected] | 615-321-4939 Ext. 108 Legal name: |
Monday, December 28 |
| Gift via Wire Transfer | 1-2 business days |
Instruct your financial institution to wire your contribution on or before December 28. Important: Please identify the name of donor or fund. This allows us to timely and properly credit your gifts. ACH/Wire Instructions: |
Monday, December 28 before 3:00 PM |
Gift via Check
Deadline: Thursday, December 31 before 3:00pm
- Postmark checks for CFMT no later than December 31.
- Hand-deliver checks to our office, 3421 Belmont Blvd., Nashville TN 37215. Please make sure checks are in an envelope and dropped in the outside mailbox by Thursday, December 31 before 3:00 PM.
Important: Please identify name of donor and/or fund in the memo so we can properly credit your gift.
Gift via Credit Card
Deadline: Thursday, December 31
- Gifts by credit card must be made by Thursday, December 31 before Midnight.
- Donate to a Fund here.
Year-End Grants
Deadline: Friday, December 11
We encourage you to get your gift in as early as possible. Please request your grant request no later than December 11.
Request a grant from your donor-advised fund in one of the following ways:
- Submitting through the Fund Advisor Portal on CFMT.org.
- Contacting [email protected] or 615-321-4939.
- Reaching out to your Relationship Manager.
Ready to Make a Year-End Donation?
Get in Touch with our Philanthropic Services Team
Ally Carroll
Philanthropic Services Associate
Amy Fair, M.Ed.
Director of Philanthropic Services
-
Cathy R. Sheffield, MBA, CAP®, CFRE, CSPG
Director of Philanthropic Partnerships
-
Erin Holcomb
Philanthropic Services Senior Manager
-
Heather Marabeti
Vice President of Philanthropy & Development
-
Jacob Tudor, M.M., CFRE
Philanthropic Services Senior Manager
-
Janyl Igadna
The Women’s Fund Senior Manager
-
Jenni Moscardelli
Philanthropic Services Senior Manager
-
Keith King
Philanthropic Services Manager
-
Ramsey Raybeck
Entertainment Philanthropy Manager
-
Rondal Richardson
Executive Director, Music Community Foundation
-
Tina Randolph
Donor Relations Manager
