Though the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) works with individuals, families, and businesses to enhance their philanthropy throughout the year, many people focus their donations during the year-end giving season. Here are five giving options to help you make a meaningful difference.

This is a great way to claim a tax deduction now and support your favorite nonprofits over time.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) can be created quickly and easily at the CFMC with a gift of $5,000 or more. With a gift of appreciated stock or mutual funds, you avoid paying capital gains tax and receive an immediate income tax deduction.

Gifts of real estate or stock are good options to benefit both the nonprofit recipient and donor with an income tax deduction and capital gains tax savings. A gift of appreciated stock is one of the most tax-savvy ways to support your favorite causes. Rather than selling the stock and donating cash, capital gains tax can be avoided by donating the stock directly to the Foundation or nonprofit of your choice.

Life income gifts such as Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Gift Annuities offer

immediate tax deductions and income for life (a portion of which is tax-free). The remainder

creates a fund at the Foundation to benefit any nonprofit you choose.

If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to the CFMC for the causes you care about. Gifts made from your IRA (up to $100,000 per year) are not taxable income and may qualify towards your RMD.

You can make an IRA gift to the Foundation to pass through to one or more nonprofits, add to a fund (excluding DAFs), or create a Charitable Gift Annuity. You can even make an IRA QCD through Monterey County Gives! to benefit multiple nonprofits with one set of instructions and receive a partial match.