5 Thoughtful Ways to Give — and Save — With Tax-Wise Planning for 2026
- Planning charitable giving early in the year allows you to be intentional, spread gifts over time and take advantage of potential 2026 tax benefits.
- Tax-wise options such as cash, appreciated securities, retirement assets, insurance and real estate offer flexibility and financial advantages.
- Certain gifts can reduce taxable income, avoid capital gains or lessen estate taxes.
- Thoughtful giving strengthens not-for-profit Road Scholar’s mission while aligning generosity with your long-term values.
The turn of a new year invites us to pause, exhale and begin again. It’s a season filled with possibility —new calendars and fresh intentions. And the quiet promise that thoughtful choices made today can shape a brighter tomorrow. As we close the book on the 2025 tax year, now is the perfect moment to look ahead with clarity and purpose.
When it comes to charitable giving, the most meaningful impact is often created long before the calendar flips to December. Planning early allows generosity and good stewardship to go hand in hand — helping you reduce taxes in 2026 while investing in the causes that reflect your values. With a little foresight, your giving can support not-for-profit Road Scholar while making the most of smart, tax-wise strategies. Road Scholar’s Director of Individual Giving, Ali Lazar, is here to help with any questions that arise. “I want every donor to know their contribution is a meaningful part of a shared, transformational journey,” she says.
Here are five ways to begin the year with intention and give wisely in the months ahead:
1. Gifts of Cash
One of the simplest and most popular ways to support Road Scholar is with a gift of cash — by check, credit card or online donation. If you itemize your deductions, cash gifts made during the year may be deducted on your 2026 tax return. Planning these gifts earlier allows you to spread your giving throughout the year while ensuring you don’t miss out on potential tax benefits.
2. Gifts of Stocks & Bonds
Donating appreciated securities you’ve held for more than one year can be especially tax-efficient. By giving stocks or bonds directly to Road Scholar, you may avoid capital gains tax while receiving a charitable deduction for the full fair market value.
You can also name Road Scholar as a beneficiary of a checking or savings account, certificate of deposit (CD) or brokerage account — one of the easiest ways to accomplish your philanthropic goals. To do so, visit your bank or financial institution and use Road Scholar’s Tax ID: 04-2632526.
3. Life Insurance Gifts
A life insurance policy offers flexible and impactful giving options. You may name Road Scholar as a beneficiary of all or part of your policy, ensuring your support continues for future Road Scholar participants. Beneficiary designations are easy to change at any time.
For those looking to make an immediate impact, you can also transfer ownership of an existing policy to Road Scholar. Doing so may provide you with an immediate income tax deduction based on the policy’s value. If premiums are still due, contributions you make to cover them may be tax-deductible in the year they are paid.
4. Retirement Assets
Retirement assets — such as IRAs, 401(k)s or tax-sheltered annuities — can be one of the most tax-smart ways to give. These assets are often heavily taxed when left to heirs, but a charitable gift can help shield them from income and estate taxes.
If you are age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA allows you to give directly to Road Scholar while satisfying required minimum distributions without increasing your taxable income.
5. Personal Property and Real Estate
Gifts of appreciated personal property — such as real estate or land — held for more than one year may qualify for a charitable deduction based on the asset’s full market value. This approach can significantly reduce capital gains taxes while making a lasting contribution to Road Scholar’s mission.
With early planning and a thoughtful approach, your generosity can go further, supporting the causes that matter most to you while making smart use of available tax advantages. Whether you choose to give through cash, assets or long-term plans, each strategy offers a meaningful way to align your financial goals with your values. By planning now, you create lasting impact, reduce tax burdens and ensure your support for Road Scholar continues to inspire lifelong learning for years to come. Learn how your support can make a world of difference for older adults.
To learn more, please connect with Ali Lazar, Director, Individual Giving, by email at ali.lazar@roadscholar.org or by phone at (617) 457-5494.
The content found on this site is general in nature and intended to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon as legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice. To determine how a gift or estate planning decision might affect your particular circumstances, it is expressly recommended that you consult an attorney, financial advisor or other qualified professional.
Ali Lazar