Whether you itemize on your income tax return will determine which charitable incentive you should take under the CARES Act.  

The CARES Act provides two provisions that encourage charitable giving during the year 2021: Cash Gifts and Universal Charitable Deduction.

Cash Gifts: Itemizers can deduct up to 100% against their adjusted gross income for cash gifts contributed to public charities in 2021.

Universal Charitable Deduction: For those donors who do not itemize on their tax return, individuals and married couples filing jointly can each claim a $300 above the line deduction for cash contributions made to public charities.