The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida says President Donald Trump’s tax breaks and spending cuts bill approved in July brings changes for how individuals and organizations approach charitable donations in 2026.
The foundation serves Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties through a range of charitable and civic activities. It also helps individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals.
Founded in 1964, the foundation says it has more than 740 funds and has delivered more than $850 million in grants since its creation.
According to the foundation, here are some of the key changes for 2026:
New floor for itemized giving
If you itemize, your charitable deductions must exceed 0.5% of your adjusted gross income to be deductible.
That is, only donations above that floor count. Previously, there was no AGI floor.
Cap on tax benefit for high earners
For those in the highest 37% tax bracket, the value of their charitable deduction will be capped at 35% starting in 2026. For example, a gift of $1,000 would previously have reduced their tax by $370, but it will reduce it by $350 under the new rules.
Corporate giving floor
Corporations will need to give at least 1% of their taxable income in charitable contributions to claim a deduction (for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025). Donations above that 1% floor and up to 10% are deductible; anything beyond 10% can be carried forward.
Because many provisions are set to take effect after Dec. 31, donors who give this year may benefit under the older rules, the Community Foundation said.
That can mean accelerating certain gifts or planning income events to fall in this calendar year.
“A lot of donors are considering ‘bunching’ or ‘bundling’ major gifts to a donor advised fund this year,” said John Zell, senior vice president of development at The Community Foundation said in news release.
“This allows them to benefit from a larger tax deduction this year, and gives them a runway to make grants over the next several years. The net result is they can be more charitable than they otherwise would.”
For people donating to The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, it suggests the following timeline:
By Oct. 31: Discuss gifts of complex assets such as real estate, closely held business interests or stock, planned giving vehicles, and gifts of mutual funds and appreciated stock with staff at the foundation.
By early December: Gifts of mutual funds and appreciated stock should be made by early December. It can take several weeks to liquidate these assets.
By Dec. 22: Donor-advised fund grant recommendations should be made in the donor portal, Access My Fund, by this date for grant checks to be postmarked by the end of the year. Timing of grants does not affect charitable income tax donations, but completing it before the end of the year may be important to the nonprofit you wish to support.
By Dec. 30: Wire transfers of cash must be initiated no later than Dec. 30, 2025.
By Dec. 31: Checks sent via the U.S. Postal Service to The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2025. Checks sent via carriers such as FedEx, UPS and DHL must be physically received at The Community Foundation on or before Dec. 31, 2025. Credit card gifts made by phone must be made no later than 4 p.m. on Dec.31, 2025, online contributions may be made until midnight.
Find out more
For more information, contact the foundation at 904-356-4483.