As year-end approaches, many donors are beginning to think about their charitable giving.

For years, the primary question has often been straightforward: What causes do I want to support?

That question remains important. But this year, many donors may benefit from asking another question as well:

When is the right time to give?

Recent changes in federal tax law, including new limitations affecting charitable deduction planning for some taxpayers, have made charitable giving more nuanced than it has been in recent years. For some donors, these changes may mean charitable deductions are no longer realized in exactly the same way they were in prior years, making advance planning more important than ever.

As a result, the timing of a gift may become just as important as the gift itself.

For some individuals and families, it may make sense to concentrate charitable giving into a particular year rather than spreading it evenly over time. Others may find opportunities to be especially generous following the sale of a business, a significant investment gain, or another major financial event.

The point is not to let tax considerations drive charitable decisions.

Rather, thoughtful planning can help ensure that generosity has the greatest possible impact, both for the donor and for the community.

One strategy that many people continue to explore is the use of donor advised funds. A donor advised fund allows individuals or families to make a charitable contribution at a time that aligns with their financial and tax planning goals while recommending grants to nonprofit organizations over future years.

Highly appreciated stock remains another valuable charitable tool. For donors who have experienced substantial growth in investments over time, contributing appreciated securities can often create greater charitable impact than a comparable cash gift while potentially providing additional tax advantages.

Yet the most meaningful philanthropic conversations are rarely centered on tax strategies.

Instead, they focus on values.

They focus on what matters most to a family, what legacy someone hopes to leave, and what kind of community they want future generations to inherit.

Increasingly, we are seeing donors ask how they can make a difference close to home. They want to understand local challenges and opportunities, discover organizations doing important work, and connect their giving with causes that matter to them personally.

That is where community foundations can play a unique role.

At Horizon Community Foundation, we have the privilege of helping donors navigate both the practical and personal aspects of philanthropy. Whether someone is considering a donor advised fund, a stock gift, creating a charitable legacy, or simply looking for ways to support causes they care about, our role is to listen, learn, and help connect generosity with opportunity.

The calendar year will soon come to a close, and with it come important charitable deadlines. More importantly, it presents an opportunity to be intentional.

We believe philanthropy is strongest when it reflects both purpose and possibility. As an uncommonly connected partner, Horizon helps donors align their generosity, their values, and the opportunities that can strengthen Northern Kentucky for generations to come.