As the year comes to a close, many people look for ways to make a meaningful impact during the giving season. In fact, over 30% of all philanthropic giving happens in the final month of the year. JA San Diego relies on our community members to provide the funding needed to ensure that students across our region gain the financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial skills they need to build brighter futures.

As you consider your end of year giving plan, please consider including JA San Diego in your plans. Your investment will inspire young people to see what’s possible. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or considering a gift for the first time, here are several powerful ways to support JA students before December 31.

1. Make a Direct Gift 

A direct contribution is one of the most effective ways to support JA students and programs. You can give in the way that works best for you: online, by mail, or bank transfer. This is a great option for people interested in giving at any level!

  • One-time gifts help us meet immediate needs and expand hands-on learning experiences for local students.
  • Monthly gifts provide sustained, reliable funding that allows us to plan ahead and reach even more young people throughout the year. Join the JA Investors Club today!

2. Donate Stock or Appreciated Securities

Donating appreciated securities is a simple and tax-efficient way to make a meaningful difference for young people. You may be able to offset capital gains taxes while your gift directly supports students across the San Diego region. Please contact us and we can provide clear instructions to help you initiate a stock transfer with ease.

JA San Diego does not provide financial or tax advice. Please consult your advisor to see if donating stock or appreciated securities could provide tax advantages for you.

3. Recommend a Grant from Your Donor-Advised Fund 

If you have a donor-advised fund (DAF), year-end is a wonderful time to support local students. A DAF grant helps JA deliver engaging, experiential learning opportunities in financial literacy, career exploration, and entrepreneurship. You can also set up recurring DAF grants, which offer steady support and allow more students to access life-changing programs year-round.

4. Make an IRA Charitable Rollover

For individuals age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can be a simple and meaningful way to invest in San Diego’s future workforce. A QCD can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and the amount donated may be excluded from your taxable income. To qualify, the gift must be made directly from your IRA to Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Please note that JA San Diego does not provide financial, tax, or legal advice. We encourage you to consult your financial advisor or tax professional to determine whether a Qualified Charitable Distribution is right for you.

5. Leave a Legacy Gift

Many supporters use the end of the year to revisit their long-term plans and consider the impact they want to leave behind. Including JA San Diego in your will or trust helps ensure future generations of students have access to transformative learning experiences. Other options include naming JA as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, life insurance policy, or investment account. Learn more about Legacy giving here.

Keep Year-End Deadlines in Mind

To ensure your gift counts toward this tax year:

  • Online donations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on December 31.
  • Mailed checks should be postmarked by December 31.
  • Stock transfers, IRA rollovers, and DAF grants may require additional processing time. Your financial or tax advisor can provide personalized advice on timing.

The JA San Diego team is always here to help with any organization-specific questions or steps.

Subject matter expert Jennifer Barnes, CEO & Founder of Optima Office, Inc., an organization that specializes in accounting, shared, “December is the perfect time to maximize your charitable impact. Donations made before December 31st are deductible on this year’s tax return, and with the IRS allowing up to 60% of AGI for cash contributions to public charities, strategic year-end giving can create meaningful tax savings while supporting causes that matter to you. If you’re considering larger gifts, donating appreciated stock can be even more tax-efficient – you avoid capital gains tax and still get the full fair market value deduction.”

Don’t Forget Your Employer Match

Many companies match donations dollar-for-dollar or more through a matching gift program which can instantly amplify your impact. Check with your employer to see how you can apply for a matching gift today. A simple check can make your generosity go even further.

Thank You for Investing in San Diego’s Young People

Every contribution, whether it’s made today, given throughout the year, or included in your long-term plans, helps JA San Diego open doors of opportunity for young people. Your generosity, your partnership, and your belief in our students truly make a difference. We are profoundly grateful for your generosity and inspiration to our students.

If you are ready to make your year-end gift now, please visit our website HERE or contact Jessica Woodyard at jwoodyard@jasandiego.org or by calling 619-906-4902.