Important Dates & Reminders for 2025 Year-End Gifts & Grantmaking
As the year comes to an end, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our donors for their generous support in 2025. Together, we have worked to create positive impact and foster opportunity throughout our community. Your ongoing commitment reflects the spirit of giving that makes our region thrive.
To assist you with carrying out your philanthropic goals, please see below for The Community Foundation’s deadlines regarding year-end giving and grantmaking activities.
RECOMMENDING GRANTS FROM YOUR FUND
Grant recommendations submitted by December 15 will be processed by December 31, provided the grantee organization meets The Community Foundation’s due diligence requirements. Due to increased volume, we cannot guarantee that grant recommendations submitted after December 15 will be processed in 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: Grants submitted prior to December 15, 2025 must also meet The Community Foundation’s due diligence requirements to be processed by December 31, 2025.
Grant recommendations should be submitted through your Donor Central account. Questions regarding Donor Central can be forwarded to our Donor Services team.
MAKING GIFTS TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
GIFTS MADE ONLINE:
Gifts can be made online at www.thecommunityfoundation.org/donate.
GIFTS MADE VIA CHECK:
Greater Washington Community Foundation
P.O. Box 49010
Baltimore, MD 21297-4910 (include 4-digit code 4910, or processing may be delayed)
Please note: checks sent by US Postal Service mail must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2025 to be credited as a 2025 contribution.
GIFTS OF CASH OR SECURITIES MADE VIA WIRE TRANSFER:
Please see the instructions for making gifts via ACH or wire transfer. Make sure to include your or the donor’s name/fund name in the reference section of the transfer. You can contact the Finance Department at 202-955-5890 if there are any questions. Monies must be in The Community Foundation’s account by December 31, to be earmarked as a 2025 contribution.
Gifts of Stock or Appreciated Securities must be initiated by December 29th, in order to be earmarked as a 2025 contribution.
GIFTS MADE VIA TRANSFER FROM MUTUAL FUNDS:
Please note that donating mutual funds requires additional processing time due to administrative requirements with SEI. In order for gifts made from mutual funds gifted to The Community Foundation to be received by December 31 and earmarked as a 2025 contribution, the transfer must be initiated a few weeks in advance to be posted into our account.
Please contact our Controller, Rachel Crawford, at [email protected] before initiating the transfer to help ensure a smooth donation process, and be sure to check with your broker on their internal timelines.
QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS (IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER)
As a reminder, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA (if you are at least 70.5 years of age) cannot be used for donor-advised funds. They may be used for designated, field of interest, and other types of funds. Notify your plan administrator as soon as possible if you intend to make a gift from your IRA. Please contact us for help with these types of gifts.
ILLIQUID ASSETS AND REAL ESTATE
The Community Foundation accepts gifts of illiquid assets such as closely held stock, partnership interests, and real estate, among others. Gifts must be reviewed and approved by The Community Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Committee. Please allow plenty of time for review and approval.
PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL HOLIDAYS: THANKSGIVING (NOVEMBER 27 AND 28), CHRISTMAS (DECEMBER 25), AND NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1).
WE WILL ALSO CLOSE AT 1 P.M. ON November 26, DECEMBER 24 AND DECEMBER 31.