Charitable giving in times of urgent need—and plenty of tax-planning opportunities
Written by Clark Collier, CAP(R), CICF Director of Giving Strategies
Right now, many families across Central Indiana are facing financial strain, experiencing rising costs of food, rent, and healthcare. We know many of your clients may be asking how they can help. Now and in the future, whenever crises occur, and whether community challenges stem from a government shutdown that interrupts paychecks and services, a natural disaster that disrupts daily life, or ongoing economic pressures, the CICF Collaborative is ready to partner with you and your clients to create charitable giving plans that deliver meaningful, lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Here are a few ways our team can help you guide your clients’ philanthropy:
Community insight and expertise. Our staff keeps a close pulse on local nonprofits and the people they serve, especially during times of crisis. When federal benefits are delayed or workers miss paychecks, the burden often falls on frontline charities that provide food, rent, and utility assistance. We know which organizations are responding most effectively and how charitable dollars can reach them quickly to provide relief.
Tools for rapid response. Clients who have already established donor-advised funds with us are in a strong position to make a difference right away. These funds can be activated quickly to support trusted, vetted organizations providing emergency services. Our team ensures that grants flow smoothly from donor-advised funds to the nonprofits doing essential work on the ground.
A time-sensitive opportunity. Late 2025 presents both an urgent moment for communities and a timely planning opportunity for taxpayers who itemize deductions. The new tax law (OBBBA) will introduce tighter charitable deduction limits starting in 2026. That means clients who “bunch” or “front-load” charitable contributions now—such as by opening or adding to a donor-advised fund—may be able to maximize their tax advantages while addressing today’s critical community needs.
Building long-term resilience. Emergencies may vary, but they are rarely far apart. That’s why many donors choose to do more than respond to the crisis of the moment—they also invest in long-term preparedness. We can help your clients support immediate needs through their donor-advised funds and other vehicles while also contributing to dedicated long-term community response funds that ensure help is available the next time a crisis hits.
Now is the moment to act. The overlap of pressing community needs and favorable tax conditions creates a unique opportunity for your clients to make a lasting difference. We are honored to collaborate with you and your charitable clients to strengthen Central Indiana.
About the CICF Collaborative
The CICF Collaborative is a partnership of philanthropic organizations working together to strengthen communities across the region. Each entity within the CICF Collaborative (including the cornerstone entities, Central Indiana CICF Collaborative, Hamilton County CICF Collaborative, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana) brings deep knowledge, strong relationships, and its own individual, focused mission. The CICF Collaborative unites the entities by providing shared services, allowing the entities to operate more efficiently and effectively. By leveraging what we each do best, we’re able to better serve our communities and create more lasting impact, together. Learn more »
About the Author
Clark Collier is CICF’s director of giving strategies, working with individuals, families, and their advisors to structure meaningful and impactful philanthropy. As a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (R), Clark provides gift planning support and counsel to the CICF Collaborative and nonprofit organizations throughout the region. He previously served as a philanthropic advisor for CICF and in development roles for both local and global organizations.