Since 1964, the San Antonio Area Foundation has served as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in our region.

Despite various challenges we’ve faced over the years, one thing has remained consistent: our commitment to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for all community members.

Every day, we work to close opportunity gaps for those who need it most through grants, programs, scholarships and training programs —we couldn’t do it without dedicated supporters like you who share our vision.

We have ambitious goals as we look ahead, and we want to share some smart ways you can further your impact while keeping your personal finances in mind. Gifts from Donor-Advised Funds, IRAs and stock portfolios can help your contribution to the San Antonio Area Foundation go even further — and save you money in the process.

To ensure your charitable gifts qualify for a charitable income tax deduction in the 2024 tax year, please keep these important steps and dates in mind: 

Give by check: 

Please remember our new permanent mailing address: 155 Concord Plaza Dr, Ste. 301, San Antonio, TX 78216.

Checks sent via U.S. Postal Service to the Area Foundation must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, Dec.31. 

Checks sent via carriers such as FedEx, UPS and DHL must be received on or before Tuesday, Dec. 31. The airway bill must also be dated on or before Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Give by wire transfer:

Contributions are tax deductible based on the day the assets arrive in our account. Wire or EFT transfers of cash must be received no later than Tuesday, Dec. 31. We recommend initiating the transfer no later than Friday, Dec.27. You may use our new online form to receive EFT transfer instructions.

Give online:

Credit card donations receive deductions based on the date the card was charged, so you may give online until 11:59pm (CST) on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Our donation page is able to receive credit card contributions for any fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation.

Give stock or mutual funds:

Evaluate your highly appreciated stock positions and use these assets to give to your fund at the Area Foundation, coordinating with your tax and financial advisors to optimize your 2024 goals.

Appreciated assets generally are far better charitable gifts than cash because you not only can take advantage of the income tax deduction, but you can also avoid capital gains tax.

Stock donations should be transferred by Dec. 10 to ensure they are received by Dec. 31. You may use our convenient online form to receive Stock and Bond transfer instructions.

Please initiate mutual fund donations by Dec. 1 to ensure they are received. You can use our new online form to receive mutual fund transfer instructions.

Donor-Advised Fund grants:

One powerful way to give strategically is through Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) grants. If you have a DAF, you may recommend a grant to the Area Foundation, allowing us to direct your gift to the organizations and initiatives that align with your philanthropic goals. 

  • If you have a DAF through the Area Foundation, you may enter a grant to us or any other charity directly through our donor portal.
  • Aim to enter your grants by Dec. 15 to ensure they have time to be distributed.
  • Consider deploying a “bundling” or “bunching” technique by making a gift to your DAFthis calendar year that allows you to leverage itemized deductions (the standard deduction is very high, at least at the moment), and then use your DAF over the next few years to support your favorite charities.

Gifts from an IRA:

If you are 70 ½  or older and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you have the opportunity to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) count towards your Required Minimum Distribution. 

These distributions allow you to donate directly from your IRA to the Area Foundation, satisfying your required minimum distribution while reducing your taxable income. This tax-smart strategy empowers you to support the causes you care about most while enjoying potential tax advantages. It’s a meaningful way to make a difference while optimizing your retirement savings. 

  • If you would like to establish a named charitable fund at Area Foundation to transform your QCDs into annual grants to nonprofits of your choice, contact us! We can assist you. 
  • You may also use a QCD to directly support our San Antonio Forever Fund or any of our Impact Funds that meet your community goals.

Complex Assets:

Assets such as real estate, closely held stock or restricted stock may require approval from the Area Foundation Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Please initiate these donations as soon as possible.

November is the time to set things in motion, so you don’t get caught up in the year-end rush. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the Area Foundation. Reach out to our team today – we are here to assist you with gift planning. If you have any questions about giving, please contact Laura Giacomoni, Executive Director for Development and Donor Services, at lgiacomoni@saafdn.org.