As you focus on your finances this tax season, Friends of Balcones wants to remind you that there are smarter and more strategic ways to support the Refuge and our partnership to share Balcones with the community and protect more land for future generations.

For many donors, recent tax changes may have impacted the ways you give. We're sharing the following options so your impact on Balcones Canyonlands Refuge can go even further — all while providing you with various tax advantages that you'll see on next year's returns. We always recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor to find the best approach for your situation.

Five tax-smart ways to give

 📈 Gifts of Stock

Donating appreciated stock directly to Friends of Balcones lets you avoid capital gains tax entirely — a significant advantage over selling first and donating the proceeds. You receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the shares on the date of transfer, and Friends of Balcones receives the full benefit of your gift. This strategy works especially well for long-term investors whose holdings have grown significantly, and it maximizes your support for the Golden-cheeked Warbler, our beautiful sunsets, and the water resources of the Refuge.

 ₿ Cryptocurrency Contributions

Cryptocurrency held for more than a year qualifies as a long-term capital asset — meaning a direct donation lets you bypass capital gains tax, just like a stock gift, while claiming a deduction at full fair market value. As crypto adoption grows, this is an increasingly accessible path for donors whose digital holdings have appreciated. Your financial advisor can guide you through the process of transferring assets directly to our account.

🔒 IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution

If you are age 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to Friends of Balcones — up to $105,000 per year. The amount transferred counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you are 73 or older, and it is excluded from your taxable income entirely. This is especially valuable for donors who don't itemize deductions, because the tax benefit happens automatically — reducing your taxable income without needing to claim an itemized deduction.

 👤→  Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Grants

If you have a Donor-Advised Fund, you've already taken your charitable deduction — now it's time to put those funds to work for Balcones. You can now grant directly to Friends of Balcones from your DAF through our donation page, making it easier than ever to direct your philanthropic dollars toward protecting the Refuge. This is a great way to sustain our work consistently with funds you've already set aside for giving.

 🏠  Estate & Legacy Gifts

A legacy gift — whether through a bequest in your will, a beneficiary designation on a retirement account, or a charitable remainder trust — is one of the most powerful ways to ensure that Balcones Canyonlands is protected for generations to come. Estate gifts can reduce or eliminate federal estate taxes for your heirs, while leaving a lasting mark on the land and wildlife you love. We'd be honored to speak with you about including Friends of Balcones in your estate plans.

New this year: You can now make a gift directly from your Donor-Advised Fund on our donation page — no extra steps required. Look for the DAF option at checkout when you visit our Give Now page.