At the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, we are proud to be your trusted partner for charitable giving. Whether you support multiple causes, focus on a few organizations, or partner with us to address Flint and Genesee County’s greatest needs, we are here to help you give with purpose and confidence.
As we begin 2026, it’s an important time to revisit your charitable giving strategy. Several new tax law changes may affect how and when charitable gifts provide tax benefits. We encourage you to review the updates below and share them with your tax advisor to understand how they may apply to your situation.
New Threshold for Itemized Charitable Deductions
Beginning in 2026, charitable contributions are deductible only after they exceed 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
For example, if your AGI is $200,000, the first $1,000 in charitable contributions will not be deductible. Only gifts above that amount may qualify, subject to existing limits. This change raises the threshold for receiving a tax benefit from itemized charitable giving.
New Limits for High-Income Taxpayers
For taxpayers in the highest income brackets, the value of itemized charitable deductions is now capped at 35% of the contribution. As a result, donors in the 37% tax bracket will no longer receive a full offset at their marginal rate.
The 60% Cash Giving Limit Is Now Permanent
There is good news for donors who make larger cash gifts. The ability to deduct cash contributions to qualified public charities up to 60% of AGI has been made permanent.
After meeting the new 0.5% AGI threshold, donors may continue to deduct cash gifts up to this level, preserving flexibility for major philanthropy.
New Charitable Deduction for Non-Itemizers
Starting in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction may still receive a tax benefit for charitable giving.
- Up to $1,000 for single filers
- Up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly
This “above-the-line” deduction applies only to cash gifts and is available in addition to the standard deduction. Donor-advised funds and non-cash gifts are not eligible.
Expanded Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
The annual limit for Qualified Charitable Distributions will increase in 2026. Taxpayers age 70½ and older may direct more funds from an IRA to qualified charities without including those distributions in taxable income.
QCDs may also count toward required minimum distributions and are not affected by itemized deduction limits or AGI thresholds.
New Rules for Corporate Giving
Beginning in 2026, corporations may deduct charitable contributions only after they exceed 1% of taxable income. The existing 10% cap on corporate charitable deductions remains in place. Contributions above the limit may be carried forward to future tax years.
Let’s Talk
We encourage you to share this information with your tax advisor and invite you to include the Community Foundation of Greater Flint in the conversation. We’re happy to work alongside your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor to help you align your charitable goals with your tax and estate planning strategies.
Whether by email, call, or an in-person meeting, we’re here for you and ready to help you plan for meaningful impact in 2026 and beyond.
