The end of the year is traditionally a time not only for reflecting on what we value, but for making that value tangible through charitable gifts.

Tips on navigating year-end giving were offered in a November webinar by Greg Rousos, President and CEO of New Covenant Trust Company at the Presbyterian Foundation and Jim Murphy of the Episcopal Church Foundation.

Thirty-seven percent of giving occurs in the fourth quarter, with 20% in December, Rousos said.

“A lot of times, this is the make-or-break season for giving,” he said.

Understanding giving trends is especially important here, he noted. There’s been a decrease in cash giving, and donors age 52 to 70 have accumulated wealth not held in cash.

“Over the next 20 to 25 years, you’re going to see a tremendous amount of assets transfer to younger generations,” Rousos said.

“Sometimes in the church we think about scarcity, as in: We don’t have much,” he said. “Our role is to make sure we talk about and participate in this transfer. The church must be equipped to handle this.”

Major gifts come not from cash giving but from accumulated wealth, he said. This sort of giving brings advantages for donor and recipient alike.

Tip #1: Appreciated assets

Organizations soliciting cash donations grew by 11% over five years, Rousos said. By contrast, organizations soliciting donations from stocks, fixed income and other non-cash assets grew by 66% over five years.

The stock market has gone up dramatically, he said. Appreciated security gifts come with benefits such as avoiding the capital gains tax.

Because appreciated asset gifts take more time to process, year-end donations need to be initiated by mid-December at the latest. The organization also must be able to receive security gifts.

Tip #2: Donor advised funds

Donor advised funds and life income gifts are ideal vehicles for appreciated securities, Rousos said. “If your organization is not accepting grants from donor advised funds, I can guarantee you have members in your pews that have a donor advised fund.”

In any case: “Talk to us. We can help with those things.”

Murphy said donor advised funds continue to be the fastest-growing charitable gift vehicle.

A donor advised fund is administered by a charitable sponsor, he explained. Donors can fund and establish the account by making irrevocable, tax-deductible contributions to the charitable sponsor. Donors retain advisory privileges.

The Episcopal Church Foundation collaborates with the Presbyterian Foundation and New Covenant Trust to provide donor advised funds for all people for as little as $2,500.

“Try it,” Murphy said.

Tip #3: Traditional IRAs and QCDs

Rousos said significant assets are held in traditional IRAs and defined contribution plans. Through IRAs, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is the best way to give for many over 70.

Due to recent legislation, there is a new option for those 70.5 and older to create a charitable gift annuity with a QCD. This is a once in a lifetime gift of up to $50K.

Again, Rousos emphasized that both foundations can help donors and financial firms with the details.

But make sure donors know about this gift type, he added. It takes time; plan ahead.

Tip #4: Planned gifts

Planned gifts allow donors to express their personal values by integrating charitable, financial and family goals, Murphy said. It lets them plan to support important work after they’re no longer physically present.

By nature, planned gifts are laced with loss.

“Be sensitive, gentle and patient,” Murphy advised church leaders dealing with the people and decisions involved. “Build trust with members of your congregation over time.”

Seniors are considering legacy and estate gifts more than ever, but don’t assume members are aware you accept planned gifts. Educate them, Murphy said. Include that line or box on the pledge card to check for more information. Make it easy for people to learn. No church is too small.

“Please, as leaders of your congregations, raise awareness,” he said — and be sure to acknowledge all gifts.

Occasions such as Giving Tuesday can be great opportunities, Murphy said. So can Advent gifts, or donations in memory of those who are especially missed during the holiday season.

For help navigating any of these details, contact the Presbyterian Foundation or Episcopal Church Foundation.