Wrap Up Your Year of Giving

December is a busy month, so it’s never too soon to start your year-end planning.

Donors who like to stay ahead of the curve can take advantage of any or all of these year-end tips for more effective giving:

Make a gift to the Unity Fund, the Trust’s special fund that helps area residents with the most basic needs of life: shelter, food, clothing, health services and job training.

Make a new gift into your donor advised fund (DAF) before December 31 and take full advantage of the income tax charitable deduction for 2016, subject to applicable IRS rules.

• December 9, 2016: 
  Last date to initiate the transfer of mutual funds to allow for 15 business days to process gift by December 30.
• December 14, 2016: 
  Last day to submit grant recommendations to ensure checks arrive to the receiving organization before December 31.
• December 21, 2016:
  Last day to submit grant recommendations to ensure checks are postmarked by December 31.
• December 30, 2016:
  Latest stock transfer date to be included in 2016.

New! Make a gift of securities—but first, please download the new gift instructions form and add to your files. This form can also be accessed through Instant Impact.

You can also choose to make your donation or gift of securities directly to our geographic affiliates in Lake, McHenry or Will County. Each foundation has its own gift instructions, so please visit the links below for details:
The Lake County Community Foundation
The McHenry County Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of Will County

Make a gift to one of The Chicago Community Trust’s signature initiatives—such as Our Great Rivers, Young Leaders Fund, and many more.

Make a grant through your DAF by December 21, 2016 to ensure that the gift is made during 2016. Please visit Instant Impact or call us at 312.616.8000.

The Chicago Community Trust is here to help. For more information, please contact the Development and Donor Services Department at 312.616.8000, or email us.