2026 Is the Year: Give at Least $2,000 to Non-Profits!

Every donation helps fuel the vital work of non-profits in our communities—feeding families in need, supporting local schools, foundations, church, funding scholarships, shelters, and programs that create lasting change. Your generosity, big or small, makes a real difference in the lives of people who rely on these organizations every day.

For anyone who loves to give, the last few years have been… a little frustrating. Why? Because the standard deduction—the basic amount the IRS lets everyone deduct without itemizing—kept getting bigger. For many donors, that meant small and medium gifts didn’t help your taxes at all. You could give $5,000 to your favorite cause, and nothing changed on your return. Ouch.

Here’s the story: back in 2018, the standard deduction nearly doubled, and it’s been rising gradually ever since. That’s good news for simple taxes, but it made it harder for regular givers to “see” any tax benefit unless you were donating big—think tens of thousands. For everyday philanthropists, your generosity was, in a sense, invisible on your tax form.

But 2026 is different. This year, for the IRS is letting up to $1,000 (single filers) or 2,000 (married filing jointly) of cash count on top of your standard deduction—even if you don’t itemize. That means your giving can reduce your taxes and make a real difference for the causes you care about.

Think of it like this:

   • You make $1,000 (or $2,000 for married filing jointly) in donations to non-profits.

   • You still take the standard deduction ($16,100 for single filers and $32,300 for married filing jointly).

   • If you’re in the 22% federal tax bracket, your donation could save you $440 in taxes. 

       If you are in a higher tax bracket, the savings are even larger.

For anyone who’s felt that donating “just a few thousand” never mattered, this is your moment.

2026 is your year to give boldly. Whether it’s your local school, a scholarship fund, church or a charity with a mission close to your heart, your generosity will make a bigger impact than ever before—both for the world and for your wallet.

Make this the year your giving truly pays off.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Rose Street Advisors, LLC is independently owned and operated. File #5057707

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