Donor Knowledge Hub
Building your charitable plan, brick by brick
Most of us can think of something we fully intend to do—someday. Organize the photos. Update the estate plan. Have that family meeting. Reboot the exercise routine. Charitable planning often falls...
Why 2026 is different: Four tax-time reminders
It’s tax season, which means it’s a terrific time to ensure that your charitable giving goals are on track. If you’ve already established a fund at IECF, please reach out to discuss your charitable...
Women and philanthropy: Impact across generations
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a great time to check in on the increasing role of women in philanthropy. At IECF, we are honored to work with women across multiple generations, such as: –A...
What type of fund, or funds, is right for you?
At IECF, we know that charitable giving is deeply personal—and that choosing the right tools matters just as much as choosing the causes you care about. Whether you are considering establishing...
Eye on the storms: Keep giving
Uncertain times often cause people to pause and reassess. Whether the uncertainty comes from markets, employment changes, health concerns, or the general feeling that the world is unpredictable, it...
Your charitable intentions: Plan to plan!
Many individuals and families spend a great deal of time setting up a charitable plan they feel good about. For example, they establish a donor-advised or other types of funds at IECF, update IRA...
Underappreciated and overlooked: Why life insurance matters
Even in an era when term life insurance policies may appear to dominate, many people still hold whole life, variable life, or universal life insurance policies. In many cases, when the original need...
Get started now: Your 2026 charitable giving checklist
Many people approach a new year with a genuine desire to be more intentional about their charitable giving. They know they want to make a difference, align their generosity with their values, and...
2026 charitable tax law changes: Keep your tax advisors in the loop
At IECF, we are honored to serve as your home for charitable giving. Whether you support a wide range of charitable organizations in our community and across the country, focus your giving on a few...
No children? Three calls-to-action for charitable planning
Many people without children wonder how their legacy will take shape. Rather than focusing on biological heirs, they often find freedom to channel their resources, time, and values toward the...
Unrestricted giving, QCDs, and why they matter for your philanthropy
As someone who cares deeply about our community, you already understand how important charitable giving is to improving the quality of life. Every year, Americans give nearly 2% of our nation’s GDP...
Countdown to 2026: 10 tips for charitable giving
At IECF, we are honored to work with you and so many other families, individuals, and businesses to help organize your charitable giving and support favorite charities that make a difference in our...
Donor-advised funds: Bunching, abundance, and flexibility
Many people establish a donor-advised fund at IECF to simplify their giving, stay organized, and even engage the next generation in philanthropy. And, for some families, 2025 is the year when the...
Tax-deductible, tax-exempt, and need-to-know nuances
As year-end approaches, your thoughts might naturally turn to charitable giving—both as a way to support favorite causes and to make the most of available tax benefits. Recent changes in the tax...
Year-end dynamics: Tax law changes and growing community need
You are likely aware that many families in our community are struggling, and you may be wondering how you can help most effectively. Whether increased community needs are triggered by a government...
Planning Ahead with Purpose: How IECF donors are investing in tomorrow through estate planning today
Estate planning is one of the most heartfelt decisions a person can make. It's an expression of what we care about, who we want to lift up, and the impact we hope will continue long after our...
Donor-advised funds: So much to celebrate
Over the years, our team has talked with a lot of people who are surprised to learn that they can set up such a wide variety of charitable giving vehicles at IECF, including legacy gifts as well as...
Six tips for your year-end game plan
With only a few months left in 2025, it is important to evaluate your philanthropy sooner rather than later. Recently passed tax laws may throw a curveball into the financial planning strategies...
Balancing immediate and long-term support for community causes
At IECF, we’re committed to working with individuals, families, and businesses to help make a difference in the causes you care about. Indeed, many people have at least a general idea of the...
Lean on us: Five reasons to call IECF
In an economic and legislative environment full of unpredictability, we encourage you to tap the knowledgeable team at IECF–perhaps even more than you have in the past. If you’ve already...
Philanthropy is for everyone: Three tips for young adults
“Philanthropy” may sound like something reserved for wealthy, “mature” adults, but that’s not at all the case. At IECF, we work with individuals of every generation, from young adults to retirees...
Tax deduction? What tax deduction?
Despite–or perhaps in light of–the recent whirlwind of commentary about new federal laws and the implications for the charitable deduction and charitable giving, it is really important keep in mind...
Back to school: Expanding support for education
It’s time for back-to-school planning! If education is on your mind, you’re in good company. Charitable giving to education rose in 2024 to more than $58 billion! If education and related causes are...
Succession planning: It’s not just for businesses
Many people think of succession planning as something only relevant to businesses or nonprofits. However, it's equally important when considering the legacy you want to leave through philanthropy,...
Navigating new laws: Opportunities for 2025
It’s more important than ever to stay informed about how changes in the tax law may affect your charitable giving. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) creates challenges as well...
Tax law changes: Time to study up?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, after the House of Representatives approved the Senate’s changes to H.R. 1, which passed the House by a narrow...
Advancing your purpose: Considerations for a philanthropic retirement
If you’ve recently retired, you may still be figuring out the ideal balance of activities. If you’ve been retired for several years, you might still be trying to figure it out! Time and again,...
More than meetings: Considerations for joining a board
If you’ve served on a charity’s board of directors, you know that the role demands much more than simply showing up for meetings. Charities benefit from board members’ active engagement, strategic...
Tax laws, what’s pending, and charitable giving solutions
Whether you’ve supported a fund at IECF, established your own fund, or are considering whether to get involved, it’s important to know that the team at IECF keeps a watchful eye on tax law changes...
“It’s so easy”: How IECF makes giving such a pleasure
As individuals, families, and businesses get more involved in charitable giving, it’s not uncommon to become overwhelmed with all the options for supporting favorite charities. Plus, it can be hard...
