Buzz
Today is Giving Tuesday, a day to prioritize generosity over the weekend’s consumerism. It's a perfect opportunity to contribute to causes and organizations that resonate with your values. Plus, it's a day when your donations can go much further, boosting the support for the organizations you believe in.
A simple way to maximize your contribution is by utilizing any matching donation programs your employer might provide. If you're unsure, check with your company or search for it on the official Giving Tuesday 'Double the Donation' page.
But that’s not all—other groups might also match your donations up to a certain limit today. From my time in Silicon Valley, I've noticed many friends willing to make donations on my behalf, utilizing their employer’s matching programs to double the impact, as long as I send them the funds.
While this means I wouldn’t be able to claim the donation as a tax deduction, that’s the price of possibly doubling the amount I’m contributing. It’s a smart choice for smaller donations where the tax deduction isn't a big concern; less so if you’re planning to give $15,000—the maximum you can send to a friend without triggering the gift tax—for a one-off, doubled contribution to your preferred charity.
Additionally, if you're going down this route, it’s important to have reliable friends. There's no harm in asking for a receipt or any proof that they made the donation on your behalf.
