Year-End Giving – Turkish Philanthropy Funds https://tpfund.org Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:28:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://tpfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/favicon-1.png Year-End Giving – Turkish Philanthropy Funds https://tpfund.org 32 32 2026 Year-End Giving: What TPF Donors and DAF Holders Should Review Before December 31 https://tpfund.org/2026-year-end-giving-what-tpf-donors-and-daf-holders-should-review-before-december-31/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:20:17 +0000 https://tpfund.org/2026-year-end-giving-what-tpf-donors-and-daf-holders-should-review-before-december-31/

Last year, TPF shared information about the federal tax changes affecting charitable giving beginning in 2026. As we approach the first year-end under these new rules, donors now have an opportunity to look beyond the provisions themselves and consider how they affect actual year-end giving decisions.

There have not been major new federal tax-law changes that alter the charitable giving framework introduced for 2026. What has become increasingly important, however, is understanding how the new rules interact with a donor’s income, investment portfolio and longer-term charitable plans.

For TPF Donor-Advised Fund holders in particular, here are several questions worth reviewing with your tax or financial advisor before December 31. 

1. How much will you actually give in 2026, and how does that compare with your AGI?
Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who itemize can deduct charitable contributions only to the extent their aggregate contributions exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI). The IRS has incorporated this new floor into its 2026 tax guidance and estimated-tax calculations.

For example:

Estimated 2026 AGI

0.5% charitable deduction floor

$250,000

$1,250

$500,000

$2,500

$1 million

$5,000

$2 million

$10,000

$5 million

$25,000

 

For a donor with $1 million of AGI who makes $50,000 of otherwise deductible charitable contributions, the first $5,000 would generally fall below the new floor.

One important feature of the new law is that the amount disallowed because of the 0.5% floor generally does not simply carry forward to a later year. The statute provides a carryforward for amounts lost to the floor only in certain years in which the donor has also exceeded an applicable annual charitable deduction limitation.

That distinction makes year-end planning more important than it may initially appear.

 

2. Would bunching several years of giving into your DAF make sense?
For donors who already expect to give consistently over several years, a Donor-Advised Fund can help separate the timing of the charitable contribution from the timing of the ultimate grants.

Instead of contributing, for example, $25,000 each year for four years, a donor might—with guidance from their tax advisor—contribute a larger amount to their TPF DAF in one year.

The donor receives any available charitable deduction when the contribution is made to the DAF, while continuing to recommend grants to nonprofit organizations over subsequent years.

This strategy can be especially relevant now because it may help donors:

  • exceed the 0.5% AGI charitable deduction floor in fewer tax years;

  • exceed the standard deduction in a year when they itemize; and

  • maintain consistent annual grantmaking even when contributions to the DAF are intentionally concentrated in selected years.

The appropriate approach will depend on each donor’s income, deductions and charitable plans.

For donors anticipating an unusually high-income year, perhaps because of a business transaction, bonus, exercise of stock options, sale of securities or another liquidity event, 2026 may also be an appropriate time to discuss whether accelerating future charitable giving into a DAF fits within their broader financial plan.

3. Before contributing cash, review your appreciated assets
Year-end planning should consider not only how much to give but also what to give.

Donors holding publicly traded securities or other assets that have appreciated significantly may want to discuss with their advisors whether contributing those assets directly to a DAF could be more tax-efficient than selling them and contributing the cash.

Subject to applicable rules and limitations, donating long-term appreciated assets can potentially allow a donor to:

  • receive a charitable deduction based on the asset’s eligible fair market value; and

  • avoid recognizing capital gain that could otherwise arise if the asset were sold first.

The IRS notes that contributions of property can generally qualify for a deduction based on fair market value, although special rules and percentage limitations may apply to appreciated property.

For donors already considering rebalancing a concentrated stock position, this can be an especially useful conversation to have before year-end.

 An Illustrative Example
Consider a donor who owns stock currently worth $150,000 with a cost basis of $50,000.

For illustration only, assuming a 20% federal long-term capital gains tax rate and disregarding other taxes, limitations and individual circumstances:

 

Sell Stock & Donate Net Proceeds

Donate Stock Directly

Stock value

$150,000

$150,000

Cost basis

$50,000

$50,000

Embedded gain

$100,000

$100,000

Illustrative capital gains tax at 20%

$20,000

$0

Amount available for charity

$130,000

$150,000

Potential charitable contribution amount*

$130,000

$150,000

In this simplified illustration, donating the appreciated stock directly allows the full $150,000 asset value to be committed to philanthropy rather than first realizing the gain and paying tax from the proceeds.

*The amount and availability of any charitable deduction depends on the donor’s circumstances, holding period, type of asset, applicable AGI limitations and other tax rules.

 

The broader point is simple: before automatically writing a year-end check, consider whether appreciated assets may be a better source for your charitable contribution.

4. If you are age 70½ or older, consider whether some giving should come directly from your IRA

A Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD, allows an eligible IRA owner age 70½ or older to direct funds from an IRA directly to certain qualified charities. A QCD may also count toward a required minimum distribution, where applicable.
The inflation-adjusted QCD limit for 2026 is $111,000 per eligible IRA owner.
However, there is an important distinction for DAF holders:

A QCD generally cannot be contributed to a Donor-Advised Fund.

This means some donors may benefit from using different assets for different parts of their philanthropy. For example:

IRA assets → direct gifts to eligible charities

Appreciated securities or cash → TPF Donor-Advised Fund

A QCD also works differently from a charitable deduction because an eligible QCD is generally excluded from taxable income rather than claimed as an itemized charitable deduction. 

For some donors, that distinction may make a QCD an important complement to their DAF strategy rather than an alternative to it.

5. Know whether you are likely to itemize before deciding on your year-end strategy

For 2026, the standard deduction is:

  • $16,100 for single filers and married individuals filing separately;

  • $32,200 for married couples filing jointly; and

  • $24,150 for heads of household.

At the same time, the 2026 state and local tax—or SALT—deduction cap is $40,400, subject to an income-based phase-down beginning at modified AGI above $505,000 for most filers. The deduction cannot be reduced below $10,000.

For some taxpayers, particularly those in higher-tax states, the larger SALT deduction may increase the likelihood that they will itemize.

That is why charitable planning should not be considered in isolation. Before deciding whether to make a larger DAF contribution in 2026, donors should look at the combination of:

charitable contributions + SALT + mortgage interest + other eligible itemized deductions
and compare that amount with their standard deduction.

6. Don’t leave non-cash contributions until the final days of December
To qualify for a charitable deduction for 2026, a contribution must actually be completed within the 2026 tax year.

Cash and credit-card contributions can often be completed relatively quickly. Transfers of securities and other non-cash assets may require additional steps involving a broker, custodian, valuation documentation or other processing.

Donors considering year-end gifts of stock or other assets should therefore begin the process well before December 31. See important deadlines below. 

TPF encourages DAF holders contemplating a significant non-cash contribution to contact us early so that we can help coordinate the charitable side of the transfer with the donor and their professional advisors.

7. Taking the Standard Deduction? There Is a New Charitable Deduction in 2026

Another new provision beginning in 2026 may be relevant to donors who do not itemize deductions.
Taxpayers taking the standard deduction may be able to deduct up to:

  • $1,000 of eligible cash charitable contributions for individual filers; or

  • $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.

There is an important distinction for DAF holders: contributions to Donor-Advised Funds do not qualify for this particular non-itemizer deduction. The new provision is therefore most relevant for qualifying direct cash contributions to eligible charities. 

Donors who use both direct charitable giving and a DAF may want to discuss with their advisors how the two approaches can work together.

8. For Some High-Income Donors, the Value of Itemized Deductions Has Also Changed
The new law also imposes a limitation affecting taxpayers in the highest, 37% federal income tax bracket.

For these taxpayers, the tax benefit associated with itemized deductions may effectively be limited to approximately 35 cents per deductible dollar rather than 37 cents, depending on the taxpayer’s circumstances. The limitation applies after the new 0.5% charitable deduction floor. 

This does not eliminate the charitable deduction, but it is another reason donors making significant contributions may want to coordinate their year-end philanthropy with their tax and financial advisors.

Important 2026 Year-End Giving Deadlines

Year-end charitable planning often becomes concentrated in the final weeks of December. Starting early is especially important for gifts involving securities, real estate or other non-cash assets.

TPF will confirm its final 2026 processing deadlines before publication. The guide should include:

Check Gifts: Postmarked by December 31, 2026, or received by December 30 for express carriers.
Stock Gifts: Complete transfer by Friday, December 18, 2026] to allow adequate processing time.
Wire Transfers: Initiate by Wednesday, December 28, 206, to be received by December 30, 2026.

Online Contributions: Accepted through midnight, December 31, 2026

Real Estate and Other Complex Gifts: Contact TPF as early as possible and complete required transfers by Friday, December 18, 2026.
New TPF Donor-Advised Funds: Complete documentation and funding by Friday, December 18, 2026.
DAF Grant Recommendations: Submit by December 4, 2026 if you would like TPF to make every reasonable effort to distribute the grant before year-end.

While contributions to a DAF may carry tax consequences for the donor in the year the DAF is funded, grant recommendations from an already funded DAF do not create an additional charitable deduction for the donor. Accordingly, the December deadline for grant recommendations is primarily an operational and philanthropic consideration—not an additional donor tax deadline.

For personalized assistance or to discuss the most effective strategies under OBBB, please contact:
Pnar Özyürek
Director of Philanthropy, Turkish Philanthropy Funds
646.530.8988 | pinar@tpfund.org

 

]]> Champion for Education Before Year Ends https://tpfund.org/champion-for-education/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:02:38 +0000 https://tpfund.org/champion-for-education/ We are excited to share that, thanks to the generosity of some of our donors, we now have matching gifts available for three inspiring projects. All donations to these projects will be matched through December 31, 2025.

After welcoming 200 children affected by the February 6 earthquakes, Darüşşafaka’s student body has surpassed 1,000 for the first time in its history. To ensure no child is turned away, the school is now rebuilding its Maslak campus to expand capacity—creating more opportunities for future generations of leaders, dreamers, and changemakers. The Doluca Family is matching $250K in donations, with only $44K remaining—doubling the impact of every gift.

Support Darussafaka

lkyar works to ensure that children in rural Turkey have access to quality education and the resources they need to thrive—from books and libraries to hands‑on learning experiences that ignite curiosity and confidence. Your support helps sustain these vital programs and expands opportunities for students and teachers in underserved communities, keeping them connected to learning, growth, and their dreams for the future. An anonymous donor is matching gifts up to $5K, with $1.3K remaining—doubling the impact of your contribution.

Support Ilkyar

Nakiye and Ziya Boyacigiller exemplified generosity, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to empowering others—advancing education, women’s empowerment, and cultural life in Türkiye. In honor of their enduring legacy, their close friend Canan Kadioglu invites you to support the scholarship fund at Boğaziçi University, opening doors and creating opportunities for future generations. While the Basol Family’s matching gift has run out, the Karacam Family still has $2.5K in matching funds available, so your gift can go even further by doubling its impact.

Support BUMED

]]> Tune In: Voices of Partners | Why I Give https://tpfund.org/vop-why-i-give-special/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:08:39 +0000 https://tpfund.org/vop-why-i-give-special/ Every gift begins with a story — a moment of connection, compassion, or hope.
At Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), these stories have come together to create a powerful movement: one that continues to build brighter futures in Türkiye, the US, and beyond.

In celebration of our community and the spirit of giving back, we invite you to join us for a special edition of our Voices of Partners series — Why I Give.

Hear from Hakkı Akbulak, Gamze Ateş, and Füsun Eczacıbaşı as they share their personal journeys in philanthropy and what creating positive change in the world means to them.

This inspiring online gathering is an opportunity to come together, celebrate the power of giving, and close the year with stories that remind us why community and compassion matter most.

 

Featured Speakers:

Hakkı Akbulak, President & CEO of AKDO
Gamze Ateş, Founder & CEO of My Beachy Side
Füsun Eczacıbaşı, Chair of the Board of SAHA Association, Architect, Collector, and Patron of the Arts

]]> TPF 2025 Year-End Giving Guide https://tpfund.org/tpf-2025-year-end-giving-guide/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 03:32:50 +0000 https://tpfund.org/tpf-2025-year-end-giving-guide/  

 TPF 2025 Year-End Giving Guide

As we approach the end of 2025, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is here to help you make the most of your charitable giving. Whether you’re supporting causes you love or setting up long-term philanthropic plans, early preparation ensures you meet key tax deadlines and maximize your impact while aligning with updates from The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB).

The Impact of The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB)
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), passed earlier this year, has significantly reshaped the charitable giving landscape by expanding above-the-line deductions, raising AGI limits for cash contributions, and simplifying rules around Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Read our earlier updates on these changes here.

These changes make 2025 one of the most advantageous years in recent history for strategic, tax-smart philanthropy.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) & Bunching Strategy
If you’re unsure where to give but want to secure a deduction now, consider opening a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) with TPF. A DAF allows you to contribute today, take an immediate deduction, and decide where to give later.

A popular “bunching” strategy lets you combine multiple years of donations into one, maximizing your deduction in 2025 while distributing grants over time.

New DAFs can be opened until noon on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from Your IRA
If you or your spouse are 70½ or older, each may contribute up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to TPF. Starting at age 73, QCDs can count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD), reducing taxable income.

Under OBBB, QCDs now have expanded annual limits (indexed for inflation) and can be made to certain split-interest entities, offering more flexibility for charitable planning. QCDs must be made directly from your IRA to TPF and cannot fund a DAF.

Donate Appreciated Stock
Gifting appreciated stock remains one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. You can:

  • Avoid paying capital gains tax
  • Claim a deduction for the stock’s full fair market value
  • Increase both your impact and your tax savings

Here is an illustration of the value you would realize if you donated your appreciated stock to TPF:

  Sell Stock & Donate Proceeds Donate Stock to TPF
Stock Value $150,000 $150,000
Cost Basis $50,000 $50,000
Capital Gains Tax (20%) $20,000 $0
Charitable Deduction $130,000 $150,000

 

For a direct stock donation with a value of $150K, you avoid $20,000 in capital gains tax while increasing your charitable deduction by the same amount.

To ensure timely processing, complete all stock transfers by Friday, December 19, 2025.

Important 2025 Deadlines
Check Gifts: Postmarked by December 31, 2025, or received by December 30 for express carriers.
Stock Gifts: Completed by Friday, December 19, 2025.
Wire Transfers: Initiated by Friday, December 26, 2025, to be received by December 30.
Online Contributions: Accepted until midnight, December 31, 2025.
Real Estate Gifts: Title transferred by December 19, 2025.
DAF Grant Recommendations: Submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025, to ensure grants are distributed in this calendar year. TPF DAF holders can make grant recommendations by logging into their account online.

For personalized assistance or to discuss the most effective strategies under OBBB, please contact:

Pinar Ozyurek

Director of Philanthropy, Turkish Philanthropy Funds

646.530.8988 | pinar@tpfund.org

This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as legal or financial advice. Please consult your tax or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

]]> Transform Education with Your Gift https://tpfund.org/transform-education-with-your-gift/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:00:42 +0000 https://tpfund.org/transform-education-with-your-gift/ Every child deserves the chance to learn, and every teacher deserves the tools to inspire. Yet, in Türkiye, challenges like limited access to early childhood education, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate school resources create daily barriers for students and educators alike.

At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we believe in transforming these challenges into opportunities. In 2024 alone, we’ve awarded thousands of scholarships to underprivileged students—spanning elementary, secondary, high school, and college levels, while also providing essential professional development opportunities to teachers, helping them enhance their skills and create engaging learning environments—all made possible by the generosity of our community.

But there’s so much more we can do—together.

Imagine a student gaining the confidence to dream bigger because they have access to a quality education. Imagine a teacher with the resources to make their classroom a haven for learning and growth.

Your gift to TPF’s Education Fund and our education-focused partner projects can create nurturing school environments where every child has the chance to succeed and every teacher has the tools to inspire.

Make 2024 a year of kindness. Join us to be a champion for education and empower future generations with the tools to learn, grow, and thrive.

Click here

]]> You have the power to change gender statistics in Turkiye. https://tpfund.org/you-have-the-power-to-change-gender-statistics-in-turkiye/ Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:09:18 +0000 https://tpfund.org/you-have-the-power-to-change-gender-statistics-in-turkiye/ At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we believe in long-term, sustainable change – especially when it comes to gender equality.

The challenges are immense. Turkey ranks 124th out of 136 in the world for gender inequality. Female employment remains under 36%, and still 15% of girls are married before they turn 18. While more girls are attending school, only 40% of girls go to college.

TPF is committed to changing these statistics through education, and economic empowerment. In 2024 alone, TPF empowered, trained, educated thousands of girls and women – all thanks to the generosity of our donors.

Your gift to TPF’s Gender Equality Fund and our partners’ projects focused on women empowerment has the power to change these statistics through education, and economic empowerment. By donating, you are reshaping the norms and expectations around gender for everyone.

Make 2024 a year of kindness, champion for Gender Equality to lift up women and girls across Turkiye.

Click here

]]> Year End Giving Important Dates 2024 https://tpfund.org/year-end-giving-important-dates-2024/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:01:41 +0000 https://tpfund.org/year-end-giving-important-dates-2024/ DONATE

GIVE NOW TO TPF SCHOLARSHIP FUND

SUPPORT THE TPF TURKIYE EARTHQUAKE FUND

As we approach the end of 2024, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is here to assist with your year-end giving and grant-making, ensuring you meet tax deadlines. We encourage early planning to maximize benefits.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) and Bunching Strategy
If you’re uncertain about which causes to support, consider opening a donor-advised fund (DAF) at TPF. This allows you to receive a tax deduction now and decide on charities later. A popular strategy is “bunching,” where you combine multiple years of donations into one, maximizing your deduction in 2024 while distributing grants over time. New DAFs can be opened by noon on Monday, December 30.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from Your IRA
Donate Appreciated Stock

 

Sell stock and donate proceeds

Donate stock to TPF

Long-Term Capital Gains Tax

$20,000

$0

Charitable Contributions/Deduction

$130,000

$150,000

To take advantage of this, contact your broker and make sure the transfer is completed by Friday, December 20. Notify TPF, and we will provide stock transfer instructions.
Important Year-End Deadlines

  • Check Gifts: Postmarked by December 31, 2024, or physically received by December 30 for express carriers.
  • Stock Gifts: Transfer by Friday, December 20, 2024.
  • Wire Transfers: Initiate by Friday, December 27, 2024, to be received by December 30.
  • Online Contributions: May be made until midnight on December 31, 2024.
  • Real Estate Gifts: Transfer title by December 20, 2024.

 

If you or your spouse are 70½ or older, each can direct up to $100,000 from your traditional IRA to TPF through a QCD. Starting at age 73, QCDs can offset required minimum distributions (RMD), lowering your taxable income. Remember, QCDs must go directly from your IRA to TPF and cannot be used for donor-advised funds. 

In 2024, since you can now only claim a deduction up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) if you itemize, the value of making a QCD has increased as the tax savings on the gifted funds can offset the lost deductions. QCDs are another area that require careful planning and should involve your advisors.

For more information, contact Pinar Ozyurek at 646.530.8988 or pinar@tpfund.org.

Consider donating appreciated stock for year-end gifts. You avoid capital gains tax and can claim a deduction for the stock’s full market value. By donating long-term appreciated securities, you can increase your gift’s value and your tax deduction. An illustration of the value you would realize if you donated your appreciated stock to TPF appears below. (Note: To bypass long-term capital gains, you need to have owned the stock you select for gifting at least 366 days)

The original cost of the stock: $50,000

Potential federal long-term capital gains rate: 20%

The current value of the stock:  $150,000

The additional amount dedicated to the nonprofit organization is an average of $20K (the value of the capital gains tax). The value to you is a higher tax deduction and a greater charitable gift.

For donor-advised fund holders, grant recommendations should be made by Friday, December 6, 2024, to ensure nonprofits receive grants this year. Donor-advised grant recommendations could be made by logging into your account online.

For further assistance, please contact TPF Philanthropy Director, Pinar Ozyurek at 646.530.8988 or pinar@tpfund.org.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Please contact your own professional advisor for individual financial and legal advice.

]]> Make-Your-Will https://tpfund.org/make-your-will/ Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:51:41 +0000 https://tpfund.org/make-your-will/

As August is Make-a-Will Month, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the legacy you wish to leave behind. At TPF, we believe in the power of giving to create lasting impacts for future generations. That’s why we’re reaching out to invite you to consider including TPF or our partners in Turkiye through TPF in your will.

Creating a will not only secures your assets and wishes but also allows you to support critical programs that uplift communities, provide educational opportunities, and address urgent needs across Turkiye and beyond.

Why Include TPF in Your Will?

  • Sustainable Impact: Your contribution will help us and our partners build a more equitable and resilient future for those in need.
  • Flexible Giving: Whether it’s a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset, your gift can be tailored to suit your personal and financial circumstances.
  • Personalized Legacy: We work with you to ensure that your legacy reflects the causes and issues you care most about.

If you’ve already included TPF in your estate plans, a heartfelt thank you! Please let us know so we can express our gratitude and welcome you into our Legacy Society.

If you haven’t created a will yet but considering it, please visit our Planned Giving page and brochure for inspiration and more information. For guidance, feel free to contact Pinar Ozyurek, our Director of Philanthropy, at pinar@tpfund.org.

Thank you for considering this meaningful way to give back.

]]> DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! https://tpfund.org/double-your-impact/ Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:21:43 +0000 https://tpfund.org/double-your-impact/

 

Our Board of Directors is matching your gift to TPF up to $60,000 until December 31st, 2022! You can double your impact and make a big difference in so many lives by empowering TPF and our capacity of providing strategic philanthropy for our community members. You can even triple the impact of your support by utilizing your company’s matching gifts. Ask your company if they have any matching gift options or any year end  specific gift to charity.

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT TODAY!

]]> Istanbul Marathon 2022 https://tpfund.org/istanbul-marathon-2022/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 16:42:32 +0000 https://tpfund.org/istanbul-marathon-2022/ Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to collaborate with AdimAdim this year to make giving easy for donors interested in supporting TPF partners participating in the 2022 Istanbul Marathon.
DONATE TO OUR PARTNERS’ CAMPAIGNS BY CLICKING THE IMAGES BELOW. 
]]>