Giving Season—the final months of the year—is a time to reflect, honor the causes closest to you, and address urgent needs in your community and beyond.
But this year looks different. Nonprofits face uncertainty as traditional funding sources shift. Changes in federal policy raise questions about how markets will respond and how public needs may change. And with new tax laws on the horizon, many donors are wondering what charitable giving will look like in the year ahead.
A donor-advised fund with National Philanthropic Trust is built for moments like these.
It empowers you to be generous now, supporting the organizations that matter most to you, while also planning thoughtfully for your future philanthropy. And with National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) as your partner, you have a donor-advised fund (DAF) that can do much more.
You can also download a PDF of this Year-End Giving Guide at the bottom of the page.
A DAF is one of the most versatile, tax-smart giving vehicles available today. With an NPT DAF, you can:
With upcoming changes to tax policy in 2026, many donors are using a DAF to maximize today’s opportunities while planning for tomorrow.
Explore What’s Changing in 2026
With NPT, your DAF is more than an account; it’s a partnership. We bring the scale, expertise, and personal support that help you make the most of your philanthropy:
Before selling a business, an entrepreneur saw the moment as a chance to give back to the town where it all began. By contributing a portion of business interests to a DAF, the proceeds helped fund local nonprofits, supporting workforce training programs, small business incubators, and mentorship opportunities that prepare young people to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Every December, a family gathers around the dining room table. Conversation drifts from holiday plans to the causes closest to their hearts. The daughter advocates for climate action, the son champions medical research, and their parents care deeply about expanding access to the arts.
With a shared DAF, each family member, named as Primary or Secondary Advisors, can support the causes that matter most to them. Their DAF allows them to honor their individual philanthropic aspirations while creating a tradition of generosity that brings them together year after year.
A donor contributed appreciated stock to a DAF, transforming a concentrated holding into lasting impact. The gift created a reserve for several years of grantmaking, giving them the freedom to support the organizations they care about most, providing steady funding for global humanitarian relief, expanding after-school programs in underserved communities, and strengthening local hospitals.
Opening a DAF is simple. In three steps, you’ll be ready to give with greater impact:
To ensure your contribution is eligible for a 2025 charitable tax deduction, NPT must receive your gift by December 31, 2025. Gifts in transit as of January 1, 2026 will not qualify for a 2025 deduction.
As you prepare for the Giving Season, our team is ready to support you. We provide insights into innovative giving methods and consulting services for those looking to establish a DAF giving strategy.
Contact us at npt@nptrust.org or (888) 878-7900 for direct assistance.
For over 25 years, NPT has helped donors achieve their giving objectives. We are proud to have assisted them in making over 930,000 grants totaling more than $37.7 billion to charities worldwide. We are among the largest grantmaking institutions in the United States.