Since 1964, the San Antonio Area Foundation has helped generous individuals, families, and businesses strengthen the region we call home. Through grants, scholarships, community programs, and nonprofit training, we work every day to close opportunity gaps and support those who need it most across San Antonio and South Texas.

As this year comes to a close, now is the time to continue that work: Add to your fund, establish a new one, or direct your year-end gifts to local nonprofits making a difference.

Below you’ll find the important dates and guidance you need to ensure your giving counts for the 2025 tax year.

Add to Your Fund

Year-end contributions provide meaningful support to the causes you care about, and they may offer tax benefits depending on your situation. Please keep the following deadlines in mind.

Give by Check

Mail to: 155 Concord Plaza Dr, Suite 301, San Antonio, TX 78216

  • USPS checks must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31.
  • FedEx, UPS, and DHL checks must be received by Dec. 31 with the airway bill dated on or before Dec. 31.
  • Include your fund’s name in the memo line.

 

Give by Wire Transfer

Use our online form to receive wire and EFT instructions.

  • Wire or EFT transfers must arrive in our account by Dec. 31 to qualify for a charitable income tax deduction.
  • We recommend initiating no later than Friday, Dec. 27, taking into account your bank’s processing times.

 

Give Online

  • You may give online until 11:59 p.m. CST on Dec. 31 through our secure donation page, which can accept credit card gifts for any fund at the San Antonio Area Foundation.
  • Credit card contributions qualify based on the date they are charged.

 

Give Stock, Bonds, or Mutual Funds

Donating appreciated securities such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds can provide significant tax advantages. These gifts typically allow donors to claim a charitable deduction and avoid capital gains tax.

Use our online forms to receive stock, bond, and mutual fund transfer instructions.

 

Give from an IRA (QCDs)

If you’re age 70½ or older, you may make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA. A QCD can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution and reduce your taxable income while supporting the causes you care about.

QCDs can be directed to:

  • A new named charitable fund at the Area Foundation
  • The San Antonio Forever Fund
  • A Scholarship Fund
  • Any of our Impact Funds aligned with your community goals
  • Complex Assets

Gifts of complex assets such as real estate, closely held stock, or restricted stock may require approval from our Executive Committee. Please begin these conversations as early as possible to allow time for review.

 

Establish a New Fund

A donor-advised fund (DAF) or charitable investment account provides a flexible, strategic way to support nonprofits in Bexar and surrounding counties.

  • Donors may open a new fund at any time, but to ensure it is established for the 2025 tax year, please begin the process by Friday, Dec. 19.
  • If timing becomes tight, our team is prepared to assist on short notice to help complete your fund promptly.

 

Direct Your Year-End Gifts

Make Strategic Grants Through Your Donor-Advised Fund

Recommending grants from your DAF is one of the most effective ways to support local nonprofits before year-end.

  • Enter grant recommendations by Dec. 15 to ensure on-time distribution.
  • Area Foundation fundholders can submit grant requests to any qualified U.S. charity through your donor portal.
  • Donors may also recommend a grant directly to the San Antonio Area Foundation, allowing our team to direct your gift to high-impact programs aligned with your philanthropic goals.

 

Consider a “Bundling” Strategy

Contribute a larger amount to your DAF this year, take advantage of itemized deductions, and then distribute grants over future years to support your favorite organizations.

 

Looking for inspiration?

Gifts that Give Back, the Area Foundation’s inaugural holiday giving guide, can help you make that holiday magic happen. Use the guide, curated by experts, to meet 28 nonprofits creating meaningful impact for neighbors who need it most. Then direct your year-end giving to the causes that matter most to you.

 

Our Team Is Here to Help

Avoid December deadlines and begin your year-end planning now! Our philanthropy, donor services, and investment teams are ready to support you with contributions, new fund setup, grantmaking, and complex giving solutions.

Contact a trusted advisor from the Area Foundation with your questions:

  • Lisa Brunsvold, Trusts, Estates and Gift Planning, lbrunsvold@saafdn.org
  • Laura Giacomoni, Trusts, Estates and Gift Planning, lgiacomoni@saafdn.org
  • Jennifer Ballesteros, Scholarship Funds, jballesteros@saafdn.org
  • Carlo Tolentino, New Fund Inquiries, ctolentino@saafdn.org
  • Missy Rullo, Year End Gifts and Grants, mrullo@saafdn.org
  • Daniela Rodriguez, Donor Services and Operations, drodriguez@saafdn.org