At Rancho Santa Fe Foundation (RSFF), our goal is to help make the tax aspects of your charitable giving as easy and effective as possible. If you’ve already established a donor-advised or other type of fund at RSFF, or if you’re considering starting a fund in 2025, it may be helpful to scan a quick reference guide of FAQs for a few of the tax rules that apply to charitable giving.
Where charitable giving is concerned, why does it matter whether or not I itemize my deductions?
Charitable contributions can only be deducted if you itemize your deductions. When completing your taxes, you’ll report deductions on Schedule A of IRS Form 1040. Itemization is only available if your total deductions exceed the standard deduction. For example, for tax year 2024 (the tax return you’ll file in 2025), the standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for joint filers.
If I use my donor-advised fund to make all of my gifts to charity, do I need receipts for all of those gifts?
No! A big advantage of organizing your giving through a donor-advised fund at RSFF is that you can make a single gift of cash–or even better, appreciated stock–to your donor-advised fund and then support your favorite charities from that fund. This means the only tax receipt you need is the one that documents your gift to RSFF for your donor-advised fund.
What documentation is required for me to take a charitable deduction?
Donations over $250 require written acknowledgment from RSFF. We provide this for gifts you make to your donor-advised fund or other type of fund. Use IRS Form 8283 for non-cash contributions valued at $500 or more. Appraisals are required for donations valued over $5,000 (such as private stock and real estate).
How much of my income can I deduct for charitable donations to RSFF and other public charities?
Cash donations to public charities (including your fund at RSFF) are deductible up to 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI). Donations of non-cash assets, such as appreciated stock or real estate, are deductible up to 30% of AGI. Remember that donating appreciated assets held for more than one year to a fund at RSFF can avoid capital gains tax; RSFF does not pay tax when it sells the asset, leaving more money in the fund to support your favorite causes than you would have if you had sold the asset and donated the cash. You can learn more about charitable contributions here.
What are the rules for IRA distributions to a charity?
If you’re age 70 ½ or older, you can make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), up to $108,000 in 2025, from IRAs to certain types of funds at RSF Foundation (such as designated funds or unrestricted funds, but not donor-advised funds). QCDs can satisfy your required minimum distributions.
Opening a Fund at RSFF
When you open a fund with RSFF, you unlock more than just valuable tax benefits – you gain access to a network of knowledge, resources, and meaningful connections that amplify your impact.
Our fundholders receive exceptional client service, superior investment results, and access to an intimate understanding of regional needs. With deep expertise in the nonprofit community, we provide educational opportunities for exchanging ideas and best practices. Additionally, our competitive fee structure, including the absence of an investment advisor fee, ensures cost-effective solutions for our clients.
To learn more about donor-advised funds or to make an additional contribution to your fund, please reach out to us at info@rsffoundation.org.
