For many individuals and families, the holiday season isn’t just about celebrations and packed calendars; it’s also a time when we naturally start thinking about others. Whether we’re volunteering, supporting a favorite charity, or simply finding small ways to brighten someone else’s day, this season often encourages us to slow down and refocus on what matters most.
This generosity shows up in real ways: December is consistently the most charitable month of the year, with a notable share of annual donations made in the final weeks. But beyond the numbers, the holidays offer a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with gratitude and community. At Access Wealth, we often talk with clients about how philanthropy—big or small—can become an intentional and fulfilling part of their financial lives.
In this article, we explore why the end of the year encourages generosity, how to give safely and wisely, and strategies to help you make the most of your contributions.
Why the Holiday Season Sparks the Desire to Give
As the year winds down, many of us naturally reflect on what the past months have brought: what went well, what challenged us, and who supported us along the way. That reflection, combined with holiday traditions, often leads to a desire to extend kindness to others, making acts of giving feel especially meaningful this time of year.
There’s also a practical consideration: December 31 is the final deadline for charitable gifts that count toward the current tax year. While taxes rarely drive generosity on their own, they can be a helpful incentive to be intentional and timely with year-end giving.
Together, these emotional and financial elements make the holiday season a uniquely powerful time for charitable engagement.
Staying Safe While Giving: What to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, the same generosity that defines this season can also attract scammers. Fraudulent charities and fake solicitations tend to spike during the holidays, creating confusion and potentially diverting donations away from legitimate causes.
Here are a few common red flags to be aware of:
- Look-alike charity names.
Scammers often create organizations with names similar to those of well-known nonprofits, hoping donors won’t notice a small typo or an extra letter. Always double-check the website address carefully, and make sure the site uses “https” rather than “http.” The ‘s’ stands for secure, meaning the site encrypts your information, an important layer of protection when entering payment details. - Social media fundraisers without verification.
Many are legitimate, but it’s easy for bad actors to imitate popular causes. Be sure the campaign links directly to the organization or through a trusted platform. - High-pressure requests.
Phrases like “act now!” are designed to rush you into giving before you’ve had time to vet the organization. - Unusual payment methods.
Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are almost always signs of fraud.
A few simple checks, such as verifying an organization’s IRS status, visiting their website directly, or researching them on Charity Navigator, can help ensure your generosity reaches the right place.
For more tips on recognizing red flags, explore our articles Recognizing Red Flags: A Glossary of Common Scam Tactics and Guarding Your Digital Identity: Simple Steps to Protect What’s Uniquely Yours.
How Charities Use the Holiday Season to Expand Their Impact
Charitable organizations rely heavily on year-end support to fund programs and launch new initiatives. As a result, many nonprofits ramp up their communication efforts during this time, sharing stories, updates, and impact reports to help donors see how their contributions make a difference.
A major kickoff to the season is Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Many nonprofits use it to energize supporters, launch year-end campaigns, or promote matching opportunities that build momentum heading into December.
Another popular strategy is the matching gift campaign, where donations are doubled or even tripled through sponsorships from major donors or corporate partners. These campaigns resonate strongly with donors who want to amplify their impact. Though, as noted earlier, it’s important to confirm that any matching program is legitimate.
Smart Ways to Make Your Giving More Strategic
Generosity comes from the heart, but pairing it with thoughtful planning can make your impact even stronger. As you consider the causes you want to support this year, here are a few key questions to guide your decisions:
What type of assets should I give? Cash is always welcome, but donating appreciated investments like stocks or mutual funds can be more tax-efficient. Giving these assets directly may allow you to avoid capital gains tax and potentially deduct the full fair market value.
When should I make my contributions? Timing matters. Donations made before December 31 count toward this year’s tax return. If you’re close to the standard deduction threshold, you might consider “bundling” multiple years of giving into one year to maximize itemized deductions.
Can my IRA support my charitable goals? If you’re age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to donate directly from your IRA to a qualified nonprofit. This strategy can reduce your taxable income and help satisfy required minimum distributions, making it a particularly efficient option for retirees.
What tools can support long-term giving? Donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and family giving plans offer structure and continuity, helping you build an ongoing philanthropic strategy that evolves as your goals change.
The best approach depends on your personal circumstances, tax considerations, and the causes that matter most to you. A financial planner can help you explore these options and shape a giving strategy that aligns with your values.
How Access Wealth Can Help Make This Season Meaningful
The holiday season brings a unique opportunity to align your values with your financial decisions. When generosity is paired with intentional planning, it supports both the causes you care about and your long-term financial well-being.
Whether you’re donating cash, gifting investments, establishing recurring contributions, or exploring strategies like QCDs, the advisors at Access Wealth can help you:
- Give with confidence
- Understand potential tax benefits
- Match your giving to what you value most
- Build a charitable plan that feels intentional and rewarding
At Access Wealth, we believe philanthropy is an expression of purpose. Whether it takes the form of financial contributions, volunteering your time, sharing your expertise, or supporting community programs, giving back enriches both the giver and the recipient. We’re honored to partner with individuals and families who want to weave charitable planning into their financial lives, and we’re always here to help you create a giving strategy that reflects your values and makes a lasting impact.
