Smart Ways to Give in 2026

As year-end planning begins, many generous supporters are exploring tax-smart ways to support organizations, like BCM, that provide housing stability, rental assistance, and financial education to working families in Atlanta. Powerful tools to best manage your philanthropic giving may include Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and Cash Donations. A mix of any or all of these ways of giving can help you make a meaningful impact while potentially reducing your taxable income. *

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

A DAF is like a charitable savings account. You contribute cash, appreciated securities, or other assets to a sponsoring organization (such as Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard or Bank of America), receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to your favorite causes over time.

Why it works well:

• Donate appreciated stock and avoid capital gains taxes.
• Bunch multiple years of giving into one year for a larger deduction.
• Grow your giving through investment options inside the fund.

Long-time supporters of BCM use DAFs to sustain programs like Budget for Life financial education program.‍

‍Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are age 70½ or older, you can direct up to $105,000 (in 2026) from your traditional IRA directly to a qualified nonprofit. The distribution counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (if applicable) but is excluded from your adjusted gross income.

Key benefits:

• Reduces your taxable income (helpful for Medicare premiums and taxation of Social Security).
• No itemized deduction needed—great even if you take the standard deduction.
• Provides immediate support to our housing programs without increasing your tax bill.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Starting at age 73, you must take RMDs from retirement accounts. Instead of adding these to your taxable income, directing them via a QCD turns an obligation into an opportunity to support families facing eviction or housing instability.

By giving your RMD directly to BCM Georgia (or another qualified charity), you fulfill your distribution requirement while advancing our mission of stable housing and brighter futures.

Cash Donations Received an Update

Anyone taking the standard deduction, which makes up roughly 85-90% of all Americans in 2026, can deduct an amount of up to $1,000 for single filers or heads of household or up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. This is an above the line charitable deduction

How to Get Started

• For DAF gifts and QCDs/RMDs: Contact the offices where you hold your assets to recommend a grant to BCM, noted as Buckhead Christian Ministry, with EIN: 58-1748786.
• Instruct your IRA custodian to send the distribution directly to BCM..
• For Cash Donations, make your gift online by going https://www.bcmgeorgia.org/support#ways-to-give  

Your thoughtful generosity directly helps vulnerable families stay housed and build financial stability for parents and their children. Thank you for considering these impactful giving options. Together, we can strengthen our community, one stable home at a time.

*Please consult your tax advisor for their professional advice.

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