As the end of the year approaches, many donors look for ways to support the causes they care about while also taking advantage of available tax benefits. Here at the Foundation, whether through helping explain the benefits of a donor-advised fund, processing gifts of appreciated stock, or identifying giving opportunities that are meaningful to you, we're here to help you make the most of your philanthropy. Below are strategies to maximize the community impact and tax efficiency* of your giving. 

Use a Donor-Advised Fund for Strategic Giving 

A donor-advised fund (DAF) allows you to make a charitable contribution and receive a tax deduction in the year the gift is made, while recommending grants to nonprofits over time. A DAF can be especially helpful if you experience an unusually high-income year, sell a business, receive a large bonus, or simply want to organize your giving in a more intentional way. 

Give Appreciated Stock Instead of Cash 

If you own stocks, mutual funds, or other publicly traded securities that have increased in value, donating them directly to a charitable fund or nonprofit organization can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. In many cases, donors may receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the asset and avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation. This allows more of your gift to support charitable causes. The Foundation provides stock processing services. 

Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) 

For individuals age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution allows funds to be transferred directly from an IRA to a qualified charity. QCDs may help satisfy Required Minimum Distributions while reducing taxable income, making them a valuable giving tool for many retirees. QCDs must be made directly to qualifying charities and cannot be directed to a donor-advised fund.

Bunch Multiple Years of Giving 

Some donors choose to combine several years' worth of charitable giving into a single tax year. This strategy can increase available deductions in years when income is unusually high while allowing charitable support to continue over time through a donor-advised fund or other charitable vehicle.

Remember Year-End Deadlines 

Many charitable gifts, particularly gifts of stock, IRA transfers, and other non-cash assets, require additional processing time. Starting early can help ensure your gift is completed before December 31 and qualifies for the current tax year.

To learn more about how the Yampa Valley Community Foundation can help you explore giving options and achieve your charitable goals, visit yvcf.org/ways-to-give or call to arrange a meeting with our Philanthropic Services team.

*Because each donor's financial and tax situation is unique, we encourage you to consult your tax, legal, and financial advisors before acting on any strategy discussed in this publication. The Yampa Valley Community Foundation does not provide tax or legal advice. 

IMPORTANT YEAR-END DATES:

For Granting & Giving

To ensure, for tax purposes, that your donation gets processed in 2026, below are dates we recommend adhering to during the busy year-end giving season:

Cash gifts for the Foundation and funds held at the Foundation must be postmarked or received in our office by noon on December 31.

Stock gifts should be initiated with your broker by December 21. We strongly recommend following up with your broker to confirm receipt of the gift.

Grants from your donor-advised fund at YVCF

• Monday December 7th - our recommended date to allow processing and mailing your grant to have it arrive at the nonprofit beneficiary by December 31st
• EOD Sunday December 27th - our grant cutoff date for 2026 granting

WELCOME MICHELLE PETIX!

YVCF'S new Grantmaking Manager

With more than 30 years of experience in Routt County working alongside nonprofit organizations and community leaders, Michelle is dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations thrive and better serve the Yampa Valley. We're thrilled to have her join us. The next time you’re in the office or have a meeting with us, please introduce yourself and help welcome Michelle to the team!

A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION:

Mental Health in the Yampa Valley

Many valuable mental health resources and services exist in the Yampa Valley, and new local data is helping us better understand our community’s needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. Now, we have an opportunity to bring those pieces together and build a stronger, more connected path forward for mental health and well-being in our region. 

Join us for a community-wide conversation about mental health in the Yampa Valley. We'll share new data, explore local trends, highlight the resources and services already available, and discuss how we can turn what we're learning into meaningful action.

Whether you're personally impacted by mental health challenges, supporting a loved one, working in the field, or simply care about the well-being of our community, your perspective matters.

Come learn. Come share your ideas. Help shape what comes next. 

IMPACT100:

Season 20 Final Results

Congratulations to First Impressions of Routt County, SOAR (Serving Older Adults in Routt) and Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA for their impressive and inspirational speeches at the final event of IMPACT100 Season 20!

Meg Franges, April Sigman and Jim McCormick shared stories and statistics about the importance of their organizations’ work in the region. First Impressions came out ahead in the final voting, but every nonprofit participant was a winner: through the generosity of donors, each of the 10 semi-finalists received $2000, SOAR and CASA walked away with an additional $5000, and First Impressions was the winner with $10,000 to help fill a critical funding gap in their operations.

Most importantly, IMPACT100 provided an opportunity for 173 community members to dip their toes into charitable giving, make their $100 charitable contribution go farther through collective giving, learn about incredible nonprofit organizations serving the Yampa Valley, and hopefully continue giving their time (volunteering), talent (board service) and treasure (charitable giving).

"With recent state funding cuts of $72,000, this investment comes at a critical time for First Impressions. The $10,000 will help sustain our core operations and the programs that directly support children, families, and early childhood educators, including child care tuition assistance, educator scholarships, and collaborative grant writing that brings additional resources into Routt County."

-Meg Franges, Executive Director, First Impressions of Routt County

FIRST IMPRESSONS OF ROUTT COUNTY:

New Colorado Child Care Tax Credit

Speaking of early childhood education, we're pleased to share that the First Impressions of Routt County Fund held at YVCF may be eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit. Eligible donations include cash/check/credit card gifts and qualified charitable distributions from an IRA. Gifts of stock or from a donor-advised fund are not eligible.

Find the causes you care about and make a difference.

Early giving starts November 1.

YAMPA VALLEY GIVES

GIVE TODAY!

UPCOMING EVENTS

YAMPA VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

970.879.8632

info@yvcf.org