Year-End Giving Reminders
As the year winds down, many of us are thinking about the people, organizations, and causes that make our communities special. Year-end giving is an opportunity to support the work happening across the Northland and help ensure local organizations have the resources they need to make a difference.
Whether you're recommending a grant from your donor-advised fund, making a gift to the Community Opportunity Fund or another fund, or considering a new charitable contribution, there are a few important dates to keep in mind as we approach December 31.
December 7 – Donor-Advised Fund Grant Recommendations
If you have a donor-advised fund with Boreal Waters Community Foundation, please submit your grant recommendations by Monday, December 7 to allow time for processing and distribution before the end of the year.
December 31 – Mailed Checks & Online Gifts
Checks must be postmarked no later than Thursday, December 31 to qualify as a 2026 charitable contribution. Please allow enough time for mailing and processing.
Planning to make an online gift? Complete your contribution by December 31 to ensure it is processed in 2026.
Stock Gifts – Allow Extra Time
Gifts of appreciated stock can be a tax-smart way to support the causes you care about. Transfers can take several business days or longer, depending on your financial institution. If you're planning a stock gift, we encourage you to get started early and contact our team for transfer instructions.
IRA Charitable Distributions – Plan Ahead
If you're age 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to support charitable organizations. These gifts must be transferred directly from your IRA custodian to Boreal Waters Community Foundation. Be sure to initiate the process early enough for the gift to be received by December 31.
A Few More Ways to Make an Impact
As you consider your year-end giving, here are a few additional opportunities:
- Make a gift to the Community Opportunity Fund. This flexible fund helps us meet our community's most pressing needs.
- Make a gift to your existing fund. Add to a donor-advised, designated, or other charitable fund to support the causes and organizations you care about.
- Consider a gift of appreciated assets. Donating appreciated securities may offer tax advantages while helping you support the community.
- Check on employer matching gifts. Your employer may offer a matching gift program that can extend the impact of your contribution.
- Explore a Qualified Charitable Distribution. If you're eligible, an IRA distribution may be a meaningful way to support charitable causes while meeting your required minimum distribution.
- Start a New Charitable Fund. If you've been considering a charitable fund, scholarship, or other way to support the causes and organizations you care about, there's no deadline for starting that conversation!
We're Here to Help
Every gift, grant recommendation, and charitable fund helps connect generosity with the people and organizations doing important work across northeastern Minnesota, northwestern Wisconsin, and our Tribal Nations.
If you're planning a year-end gift and have questions about timing, giving options, or transfer instructions, please reach out. We're happy to help you make the most of your charitable giving before December 31.
Thank you for being part of the generosity that makes our region a better place to live, work, and thrive.
Gratefully,