Giving Deadlines & Charitable Planning Opportunities

Your generosity can do more than give—it can transform lives and strengthen our community for the long term. We make it easy to give strategically by accepting a broad range of assets, including complex, noncash contributions, allowing you to maximize both impact and efficiency. Whether your goal is immediate community change or a lasting philanthropic legacy, our team partners with you every step of the way to ensure your giving reflects your values and intent.

2026 Year-End Giving Deadlines

Check or Stock Certificate | Postmark on or before 12/31/26
Please contact the Donor Services Department before submitting your stock transfer to ensure that your charitable deduction is appropriately credited to your fund.

Special Securities* | Deadline: 12/1/26
Call the Donor Services Department if you need assistance with the following items: Private Stock, Tendered Stock, or Restricted Stock.

Mutual Funds* | Deadline: 12/1/26
Submit a completed letter of instruction to the firm holding the fund shares and send a copy to [email protected].

Grant Recommendations | Deadline: 12/15/26
Due to high volume, grants requested after this date might not reach their destination by the close of the year.

Publicly Traded Securities* | Deadline: 12/12/26
Submit a completed letter of instruction to the firm holding your stock and send a copy to [email protected].

Wire Transfer* | Deadline: 12/31/26

Instruct your financial institution to wire funds to Greater Houston Community Foundation. Also, please contact the Donor Services Department before submitting your wire transfer to ensure that your charitable deduction is appropriately credited to your fund. For security reasons, the wire instructions are not emailed but may be found here.

CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS FROM IRA ACCOUNTS
IRAs may NOT make charitable distributions to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Please do not have your IRA custodian send a distribution to your DAF as that may be treated as a taxable distribution to you. In lieu of sending an IRA charitable distribution to your DAF, please consider making a gift to a field of interest fund, scholarship fund, or theCommunity Foundation’s Community Impact Fund.

*If these items are not received into the Foundation account by 12/31/26, the IRS will not allow a 2026 deduction. Please contact [email protected] to ensure your intended gift is properly credited. Greater Houston Community Foundation does not provide tax advice or services. Please consult your personal advisor with questions regarding your tax planning.

Where High-Impact Philanthropy Happens.

The Community Foundation can partner with you to explore tailored charitable gift options that align with your personal values and financial objectives. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your philanthropic needs.

• • Business Interests
  • Closely Traded Stock
  • Coins, Jewelry & Art
  • Foreign Stock
  • Life Insurance
  • Privately Held Assets
  • Publicly Traded Stocks, Bonds & Securities
  • Real Estate

Safeguard your DonorSphere access

Your generosity fuels meaningful change across our community, and protecting that generosity is a responsibility we take seriously. As impersonation fraud becomes more common across the digital landscape, we want to share a few reminders to help safeguard your personal information and charitable assets as you make gifts in or recommend grants from your fund with Greater Houston Community Foundation.

Click on the button below to learn how to access your DonorSphere account and explore additional ways to protect your information.

Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation: 

• What is a Donor Advised Fund? The Complete Guide.
• How To Choose the Right Charitable Vehicle for Your Giving Goals
• Guide to Donating Illiquid Assets
• Guide to Donating Retirement Assets
• Giving Stock or Cash? A Strategic Guide to Charitable Giving