Charitable Giving

Charitable giving in the United States includes donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and bequests that support causes such as education, health, religion, and public-society benefit; understanding giving options and the tax and legal rules can help you give more effectively.

How Giving Works

Donors can give directly to nonprofits, make planned gifts, or contribute to government programs; each route has different rules and implications for how funds are used and reported.

Tax Considerations

Federal tax incentives affect the after-tax cost of donating and vary by donor type and gift form—learn strategies for maximizing benefits in Maximizing Tax Deductions with Charitable Contributions.

Donating to the Federal Government

If you prefer to contribute directly to the U.S. government, the process, permissible uses, and requirements are explained in How to Donate to the U.S. Government: Rules and Requirements.