Donors
What type of donor are you—scattered, results-focused, just getting started, or deep into it already?
Even if you are new to charitable giving, you’ve likely discovered that there’s no single “right” way to approach making a difference. That’s not only normal—it’s a strength! Recent research reinforces what many donors already know intuitively: generosity looks different for everyone. Indeed, more than 80% of Americans report giving in some form, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or civic
Step by step, it starts with “love of humanity”
The word “philanthropy” comes from Greek roots, meaning, a love of humanity. It’s a big word—but at its heart, it reflects something very personal: the desire to help others, strengthen community, and make a difference in ways that matter to you. For some people, philanthropy means supporting a favorite nonprofit year after year. For others, it means volunteering time, responding
Rethinking legacy: Balancing gifts to heirs with the community’s future
Next time you meet with your estate planning attorney, it may be a good idea to check in on your long-term plans and ask yourself questions you might not yet have considered. Some planners, for example, report that more and more clients are reconsidering an automatic estate distribution to heirs. Instead, their clients are evaluating what type of legacies make
Tax Season Debrief: Three Common Regrets
If you’re like many donors, the weeks leading up to tax deadlines tend to bring charitable giving into sharper focus. You may have finalized contributions, gathered documentation, or had conversations with your CPA about how your giving fits into your overall financial plan. After the deadline has passed, it’s tempting to move on and not revisit these decisions until later
Charitable giving, due diligence, and how Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation can help
Many people want to be thoughtful in their charitable giving, but that doesn’t always make the process easy. In fact, one of the most common challenges donors face is simply feeling confident in their decisions. With so many worthy organizations, urgent needs, and compelling opportunities, it can be difficult to know where to start—or how to know if you’re making
Good News About Donor-Advised Funds
Three fundamental concepts are important to gaining a better understanding of how donor-advised funds work at the community foundation. Many options are available at GPCF. It’s important to note that a donor-advised fund is just one of many types of funds that an individual, family, or business can establish with GPCF. You’re likely more aware of donor-advised funds than other
Women and philanthropy: Impact Across Generations
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a great time to share information about the increasing role of women in philanthropy. Sometimes this shift happens gradually—a daughter becomes more involved in conversations about family giving, or a spouse who once deferred decisions begins shaping philanthropic priorities more directly. In other cases, the transition is sudden and deeply personal, such as
Why 2026 Is Different: Four Tax Time Reminders
It’s tax season, which means it’s a terrific time to ensure that your charitable giving goals are on track and here are four items to discuss with your CPA. New rules for itemizing charitable deductions As in prior years, charitable contributions are deductible only if you itemize your deductions. If your total itemized deductions do not exceed the standard deduction,
Celebrating the causes you love
A new year is in full swing, but you’ve still got plenty of time to consider your charitable impact and how you’d like to make a difference in 2026. A great way to do that is to reflect on the difference you’ve already made through the years. Many people are drawn to charitable giving and decide to establish a fund
Get Started Now: Your 2026 Charitable Giving Checklist
Many people approach a new year with a genuine desire to be more intentional about their charitable giving. They know they want to make a difference, align their generosity with their values, and perhaps even involve their families—but they are often unsure where to begin. The combination of busy lives, changing tax laws, and an ever-growing number of worthy causes
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The National Standards Seal indicates official confirmation from the Council on Foundations that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency & accountability. GPCF received this seal of approval in January 2010.