By Jacob Spilker, Director of Development
Your support goes beyond financial contributions—it’s an investment in the lives of campers who experience life-changing moments at camp.
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, in 2024, NLOM provided $1,023,537 in camper scholarships, discounts, and subsidies.
This helped bridge the gap between the actual cost of $1,005 per camper and the maximum charge of $450, ensuring that children of all financial backgrounds could attend camp.
Through these subsidies, $819,807 was given directly to reduce camper costs, and an additional $203,730 was provided in camperships and discounts. Your support made it possible for every camper to participate, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
With such a significant impact, it’s important to ensure that your giving is both effective and tax-efficient.
It is at the top of our mind that you, as a donor, are best aware of the ways that giving to NLOM changes lives as well as works with you to achieve your financial goals.
Below are strategies that can help you maximize your charitable giving while benefiting from potential tax advantages:
1. Gifts of Appreciated Stock/Mutual Funds
If you own stock that has appreciated in value, donating it to NLOM can be a tax-efficient way to give.
By transferring these assets directly, you avoid paying capital gains taxes and can take a charitable deduction for the full fair-market value of the stock/funds on the date of transfer. It’s a win-win for you and the campers who benefit from your generosity!
2. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD)
If you’re 70½ or older and have an IRA, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to NLOM. This allows you to donate directly from your IRA to a charity, which counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) but is not considered taxable income.
This can be a great way to lower your taxable income while helping ensure an affordable camp experience for our campers.
3. Bunching Donations
Under current tax laws, the standard deduction has increased, which means fewer people itemize their deductions.
However, by “bunching” multiple years of donations into one year, you may be able to exceed the standard deduction threshold and gain a tax benefit from your charitable giving.
For instance, consider making a larger gift to NLOM this year and itemizing your deductions, then taking the standard deduction next year.
4. Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)
A Donor-Advised Fund is like a charitable investment account. You can contribute cash, stock, or other assets to a DAF and receive an immediate tax deduction.
Over time, you can recommend grants from the fund to organizations like NLOM. This gives you flexibility to time your gifts in a tax-efficient manner while supporting your favorite camp.
5. Legacy Gifts
Including NLOM in your estate plans can provide long-lasting impact without affecting your current financial situation.
Whether through a bequest in your will, naming NLOM as a beneficiary of your retirement account or a life insurance policy, or establishing a charitable trust, you can leave a legacy of support that ensures that this sacred space will continue to thrive for future generations.
With your thoughtful, tax-wise giving, you ensure the future of NLOM’s mission and make camp accessible to even more children. If you’d like more information on any of these strategies, please reach out to our Development team.
Together, we can continue creating life-changing camp experiences for years to come!
For more information, visit NLOM.org/give or contact Jacob at JSpliker@nlom.org or 402-944-2544
