How to make your donation go farther
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Exploring different ways to give can help your donation go farther for patients — and for you.
The most impactful giving is not just about the dollar amount. It is about choosing the right way to give at the right time for you. Whether that means setting up a recurring monthly gift, donating appreciated stock, using a donor-advised fund, making a qualified charitable distribution, or asking your employer to match your contribution, there’s many ways to maximize the impact of your gift for families facing cancer — and for you.
Make It Monthly
One of the most powerful ways to support families facing cancer who are struggling with meeting their basic needs is also one of the simplest: give monthly.
Recurring gifts create a reliable foundation of support throughout the year for patients, ensuring assistance is there when families need it most. Whether patients need help heating their homes in the winter, buying groceries when school meals pause in summertime, finding transportation amidst rising gas prices, or recovering from a natural disaster, your monthly donation allows us to respond quickly, no matter what each season brings.
A monthly gift can feel manageable in the moment while adding up to meaningful impact over time. It is automatic, convenient, and easier to track at tax time with one annual giving summary.
Give MonthlyDo not forget the match
Another easy way to increase your impact is to check whether your employer offers a matching gift program. Many companies will match charitable contributions dollar for dollar, and some may contribute even more. That means a gift you already planned to make could go twice as far without any additional cost to you. A quick check with your HR team or workplace giving portal can unlock additional support for families facing cancer.
Investments give even more
If you hold stocks, mutual funds, or other investments that have grown in value, donating those assets directly to Family Reach can be more effective than writing a check. Transferring long-term appreciated stock may come with additional tax benefits. Check your applicable tax rules and income limitations to see what options are available.
Other non-cash assets, including cryptocurrency, real estate, and cars, can also be tax- smart options in the right circumstances. Cash, checks, and credit card gifts are often the most straightforward path, but if you are considering a larger gift, it may be worth speaking with your advisor about which asset will have the greatest impact.
Donate stock or cryptocurrencyMake your timing work harder
A donor-advised fund can help if you want to make a larger charitable commitment in one year while supporting organizations over time. This approach can be especially useful when you want to bundle several years of giving into one tax year, potentially allowing you to itemize deductions more effectively. Funds can then be distributed to charities on a schedule that works for you.
For donors over age 70½, a qualified charitable distribution from a traditional IRA may offer another smart option. This type of gift can help reduce taxable income and, for those subject to required minimum distributions, may count toward that annual obligation. Another often-overlooked strategy is naming Family Reach as the beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, which can be a meaningful way to extend your support in the future and dedicate your legacy to helping others in need.
Donate via a donor-advised fundSetting patients — and yourself — up for success
Every dollar you give helps families facing cancer cover critical essentials like rent, utilities, food, and transportation, while also providing valuable tax benefits for generous donors like you.
If you are making a charitable gift near the end of the year, remember that transfers must be completed by year-end to count for that tax year, and gifts over certain thresholds may require written acknowledgment or additional tax forms. Keeping clear records helps ensure your generosity is matched by the full benefit you intended to receive.
Giving in a sustainable manner will help Family Reach continue its mission while ensuring your generosity goes as far as possible. With your support, we’re one step closer to a world where no one has to choose between their health and their home.
Because cancer is hard enough.
