Good for the Heart, Smart for the Wallet: A Simple Guide to Year-End Giving
The End of the Year is Here
The lists are being made, the calendar is filling up, and 2026 is quickly approaching. In the midst of the holiday rush, there is one deadline that deserves special attention: December 31st.
Understanding how year-end giving works can turn a standard financial task into an exciting opportunity to make a massive difference while potentially keeping a little more money in your pocket.
We wanted to break down exactly how charitable giving affects your taxes, so you can make the best decisions for your family and for the children we serve.
Steering Your Resources
You have worked hard for your money all year. The tax code allows you a unique choice: you can redirect a portion of your income toward a 501(c)(3) nonprofit like MANNA Worldwide.
Donating to MANNA lowers your taxable income.
In simple terms: If you make $X this year, the government taxes you on that amount. If you donate to MANNA, the government taxes you on a smaller amount, which can lower your overall tax bill.
This allows you to direct your hard earned money toward drilling wells in Guatemala and feeding kids in Kenya, rather than paying it in taxes.
Deadlines Matter
To count for the 2025 tax year, the IRS has a strict cutoff.
Online Donations: Must be completed by 11:59 PM on December 31st.
Checks: Must be postmarked by December 31st.
Did You Serve with MANNA This Year?
If you hopped on a plane to visit an orphanage or help with a project in 2025, you might be sitting on a significant tax deduction without even realizing it.
Because MANNA Worldwide is a 501(c)(3), the costs associated with your service trips are often considered charitable contributions.
How it works: If you paid for your trip directly through MANNA, those funds should already appear on your year-end giving statement. However, if you paid for the trip through your local church, that donation will be reflected on their giving statement instead.
The "Hidden" Deductions: Beyond the trip cost itself, the IRS allows you to deduct out-of-pocket expenses that weren't part of the base fee. This includes your airfare (if you bought it separately), airport parking, and even meals while you were "on duty" serving the kids.
The Requirement: To qualify, the trip must be primarily for service rather than vacation. Since our MANNA trips are focused on real, daily work at our centers, they usually fit this bill perfectly.
Pro Tip: If you traveled with us this year, take ten minutes today to find those flight receipts or parking stubs. These "extra" costs can add up to hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in deductions that help lower your family's taxable income.
Giving Beyond Cash
Did you know you can donate assets? Many donors find that giving appreciated stock or cryptocurrency is highly tax efficient. This strategy can help you avoid capital gains tax while still getting the full deduction for the value of the stock. (Our downloadable guide covers this in more detail!)
Important Note
We are experts at feeding children, building orphanages, and drilling water wells. For financial advice, we rely on the pros.
Everyone’s financial situation is different. Before you make any big moves for tax purposes, please chat with your tax professional. They can look at your specific numbers and tell you exactly how a donation will impact your return.
Finish the Year Strong
This is about stewardship and maximizing every dollar to have the greatest possible impact.
If you are planning to give this month, we would be honored if you partnered with us. Together, we can head into the New Year knowing we’ve changed lives.