As the year comes to a close, many of us feel inspired to give back, whether to causes that shaped our lives or to communities that supported us. Including charitable giving in your estate plan is a meaningful way to extend that generosity beyond your lifetime, while also offering potential tax benefits for you and your loved ones.
Simple Ways to Give
Direct Gifts or Bequests: You can leave money or belongings to a charity in your will or trust, or give during your lifetime. In 2025 you can gift up to $19,000 per person or organization without reporting it.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re over 70½, you can donate up to $108,000 of your retirement account’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) directly to charity. This can lower taxable income and support causes you care about.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs): A DAF works like a charitable investment account. You contribute now and recommend grants over time and you can name loved ones to continue your giving in the years to come.
Charitable Trusts or Family Foundations: For larger estates, these tools offer more control, potential tax savings, and opportunities for multi-generational involvement in charitable decision making.
Making Your Giving Count
A bit of planning goes a long way. Think about whether you’d like to give now or later, choose charities that align with your values, and consider inviting family into the conversation so they understand and can carry on your approach to giving
Creating Your Plan
As your personal lawyer, I can help you choose the right giving strategies, maximise tax benefits, and document everything clearly, so your generosity continues to make an impact for years to come.
Monet Binder, Esq., has her practice in Queens, dedicated to protecting families, their legacies, and values. All halachic documents are approved by the Bais Havaad Halacha Center in Lakewood, under the direction of Rabbi Dovid Grossman and the guidance of Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky, shlita, as well as other leading halachic authorities. To learn more about how a power of attorney can help you, you can send her an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 718-514-7575.