Using the New Tax Law to Your Advantage
by Jennifer Meckling, Charitable Organization Endowment Program Director
In 2017, American taxpayers gave $410 billion to charity. Just as with every other year, the philanthropic generosity of American taxpayers showed itself in the final quarter of the year. In fact, it’s approximated that 80 percent of charitable gifts arrive in November and December!

This year, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 is part of our reality. While we have yet to see the impact it will have on charitable giving, how can we stay a step ahead and adjust our giving message to encourage donors to continue giving?

The major concern about TCJA for nonprofits has been the change to the personal exemption that has nearly doubled to $12,000 for a single filer and $24,000 for joint filers, leaving donors to question the benefits of making a charitable gift. 
Nonprofits can use the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to your advantage!
Here's how:

Initiate deeper discussions with your donors. As for that tax elephant in the room - Acknowledge It! Encourage those who are concerned about maximizing their charitable deduction to ‘bundle’ several years’ worth of gifts into one larger gift.

By opening the conversation to talk about what the donor plans to give in the next four to five years, you can step into a deeper topic with donors about the legacy they want to leave and the lasting impact of an endowed gift. As we delve further into the details, we can help donors recognize that even a little advanced planning can produce greater tax benefits. Learn how the Oklahoma City Community Foundation can help your donors make the most of their charitable giving:
Establishing a new endowment sub-fund is a great way to ensure that your organization’s favorite program will continue! Endowment sub-funds can be established at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation with a gift of $20,000, and the distributions returned to your organization each year usually exceed the value of the initial gift within 15 years. 

Talk to your board members about the perpetual benefits of an endowment sub-fund. As always, we’re happy to sit down with you and your donors and answer questions about planning strategically for gifts.

To keep up to date on tax issues, see our Washington News feature, part of the Legacy Giving resource for OCCF’s endowed organizations. 
Remember: It’s giving season, which means there are more potential donors visiting Give Smart OKC to discover or learn more about your organization!

Make sure your profile is current! Contact Rachel Mouton at 405/606-2918 if you need assistance.
Hot Off the Press: Our 2018 Annual Report
Thanks to you, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation has been a place where people come together to make a difference for nearly 50 years.

We are pleased to share our 2018 Annual Report highlighting our impact during Fiscal Year 2018 and sharing the stories of the generous individuals who have joined us on this journey.
Upcoming Charitable Organization Endowment Training
Jan. 10
Seeds of Planned Giving Series
Register by Jan. 4
Jan. 16
Focus on Endowment Series
Register by Jan. 11
Feb. 20
GiveSmartOKC Training Series
Register by Feb. 15
Upcoming Grant Deadlines
Nonprofit Resources
View the balance of your endowment fund and gifts from donors.
Tools to help you promote your endowment.
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View the balance of your endowment fund and gifts from donors.
Contacts:
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Charitable Organization Endowment Program Director
405/606-2951
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Charitable Organization Endowment/Give Smart OKC Administrator
405/606-2918