December 29, 2025 - The start of a new year offers a natural moment to reset, refocus and set meaningful goals. Many people commit to eating healthier, reading more or picking up a new hobby, but it can also be the perfect time to be intentional about your charitable giving.

If generosity is on your list of priorities for 2026, you may be wondering where to begin. What causes will you support? What will giving look like for you? How can you give in a tax-smart way? The guide below will help you clarify your goals and how to best accomplish them.

1. Reflect on Your “Why”

What causes are nearest to your heart? What change do you hope your giving will create?

Having a clear vision behind your generosity can help you form a giving plan that is focused and impactful. Think about the causes you have supported in the past and the issues that resonate most deeply with you.

Use our downloadable worksheet “Roadmap to Purposeful Generosity” as a tool to guide your reflection and shape your charitable vision.

2. Consider Your Resources

While many donors give through cash or check, a wide range of noncash assets can also be used to support charitable organizations. Taking inventory of all the assets you own can help you identify which ones may maximize both your impact and your tax benefits. Noncash assets may include stock or marketable securities, tangible property, mineral interests or insurance policies. These types of gifts can increase your giving potential while offering meaningful tax advantages.

3. Explore Giving Vehicles

Choosing the right giving vehicle can feel overwhelming, but selecting the right structure can make your generosity easier and more effective.

For example, a donor‑advised fund (DAF) is a flexible giving tool that allows you to make contributions, invest them for potential tax‑free growth and recommend grants to any 501(c)(3) charity. DAFs can also accept complex or noncash assets, making them a versatile option for many donors.

DAFs are also a powerful way to involve your family. You can name adult children or grandchildren as Donor Advisors or Additional Users, helping cultivate a shared legacy of generosity.

Other giving options such as charitable remainder trusts or gifts of property while retaining a life estate can help you plan for future generosity while meeting personal financial goals. To explore which vehicle may be right for you, visit highgroundadvisors.org/gift-planning or contact our legal team at 214.978.3300.

4. Partner with a Professional

Working with professionals who specialize in charitable gift planning can help you give with confidence and maximize your impact. At HighGround Advisors, our legal team partners with donors to ensure every gift aligns with their goals and supports the organizations they care about most effectively.

Once you have the right guidance in place, you’re ready to begin giving with clarity and confidence.

Start the new year with purpose. By making charitable giving part of your resolutions, you can create lasting impact for the causes you care about most.

If you’d like to learn more about how HighGround Advisors can help you strengthen your charitable giving and tax strategy, visit highgroundadvisors.org/gift-planning or contact us at 214.978.3300.