The Most Wonderful Time to Give
Make the most of your charitable giving before the end of the year
Betty Dabney Brown was born and raised on a sprawling Lexington farm, surrounded by animals of all sorts: horses, cows, dogs, cats — even scurrying mice were the norm. “Oh, there were plenty of animals around all the time,” says Betty, whose rural upbringing instilled a lifelong desire to care for animals.
Though Betty left farm life behind and moved to Louisville in 1977, her love of animals persists and is reflected in the many animal-focused nonprofits she donates to with the help of the Community Foundation of Louisville. When asked to name a few of the organizations she supports, Betty rattles off a long list that includes the Kentucky Humane Society, Shamrock Foundation, Friends of Metro Animal Services, and more.
“It makes me feel good,” she says. “I like to know that I’m helping people — or animals — any way I can.”
Betty’s philanthropy extends beyond animals to other causes about which she is passionate, such as Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Planned Parenthood, and historic Locust Grove. “There are a lot of causes I want to give to,” she says, “and the Community Foundation helps make it happen.”
During the holiday season in particular, Betty always takes time to consider the causes she supports, assess her contributions, and contemplates the impact such gifts can have on those in need. “It’s always important to give, but this time of year brings out the best in people,” she says. “If you give this time of year, you might get in the habit of doing it year-round.”
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
The holiday season is a great time to add to an existing fund at the Foundation or to start a new fund. Charitable funds provide you with the opportunity to give and make a lasting difference in our community.
Our Foundation team is here to help you and to ensure any new contributions are received by December 31st, which may allow you to take a tax deduction in this calendar year.
If you are planning for a tax deduction this year or if you’re undecided about which nonprofits to support, a donor advised fund could be the right choice. It’s been a great fit for Betty Dabney Brown. “I really appreciate their help,” Betty says of the Foundation. “They make it easier to give.”
If you don’t already have a fund at the Community Foundation of Louisville, it’s not too late to start one before the end of the year. In addition to donor advised funds, the Foundation’s charitable checking fund is another great option.
A charitable fund will help you organize and simplify your contributions at any time of the year — it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
If you would like to start a donor advised fund or learn about other fund options, please contact Jennifer Fust-Rutherford at 502.855.6953 or yearend@cflouisville.org