CFM End of the Year Dates to Know
The end of the year will be here soon! The Community Foundation for Mississippi has several important dates for you to keep in mind as you think about year-end giving to ensure your financial contributions make an impact with nonprofits by December 31, 2025.
If you are planning end-of-year grants from or to a fund:
The last day to submit a grant request through our donor portal to ensure processing for the 2025 calendar year is Tuesday, December 16, 2025. All grant requests made after December 16, 2025 may not be processed until Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The last day to request a check for a vendor is Tuesday, December 16, 2025 to ensure the check will be sent and processed by December 31, 2025. All vendor check requests made after December 16, 2025 may not be processed until Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Donating stock? All notifications of stock donations must be made before Friday, December 19, 2025. Click here to download our stock donation form.
Donations by check will be processed by their check and postmark date. Donations postmarked by December 31, 2025 will be acknowledged as being given during the 2025 calendar year. Gifts can be made online via credit card as late as 11:45 p.m. on December 31, 2025 or by mailing a check to 119 S. President St., First Floor, Jackson, MS 39201.
Other important things to note:
Endow Mississippi tax credits will renew on January 1, 2026. This program provides a 25% tax credit to donors who give to permanent endowments at qualified community foundations. Click here to learn more and download an application for your 2026 submission.
The Community Foundation for Mississippi upcoming closures:
Limited office hours begin starting Monday, December 22. The CFM office will be closed Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026.
For emergencies, please contact Jane Alexander at jane@formississippi.org.
Offices will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Have questions? Reach out to us at kwiandt@formississippi.org!
Tax Rules Are Changing: Give More Before 2026
As we approach the end of 2025, many donors are taking advantage of a rare moment in charitable giving — one that allows them to maximize both their impact and their tax benefits. With several federal and state tax changes taking effect in 2026, this year offers a unique window to “stack” or “bunch” charitable contributions by making 2025, 2026 and even 2027 gifts now.
Here’s why many donors are choosing to give before December 31, 2025 (and why you may want to talk with your tax professional about doing the same):
Federal tax rules will tighten in 2026
• New deduction floor: Starting in 2026, itemizers can only deduct charitable gifts above 0.5% of AGI. In 2025, every eligible dollar is deductible.
• Reduced value for high earners: New caps will limit the value of itemized deductions beginning next year.
What this means: Giving a larger, combined gift in 2025 allows you to lock in today’s more favorable federal rules.
Mississippi income tax rates are dropping
Mississippi’s income tax rate will fall from 4.4% in 2025 to 4.0% in 2026, meaning deductions are worth slightly more this year.
In short: The same gift shelters more taxable income in 2025 than it will in 2026.
Endow Mississippi offers a powerful incentive
A gift of $1,000 or more to an endowed fund at CFM may qualify for a 25% state tax credit, in addition to standard deductions. Credits are limited and require a short application. Learn more below.
With these changes ahead, 2025 may be the most advantageous year to support the causes you care about. If you’re considering a gift, we encourage you to speak with your tax advisor — and we’re here if you have questions about giving options through CFM.
You can make a secure online gift anytime at formississippi.org/donate.
