SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) Charitable giving and helping communities provide many of us with a sense of purpose and joy. However, giving back looks different for everyone. No matter your charitable giving goals, thoughtful planning can help tailor your strategy to best help your chosen charity and your own finances.

“Like any financial strategy, charitable giving can offer personal monetary benefits, such as potentially lowering your taxes, but you need to be strategic and plan your gifts if you want to maximize your impact with a charity as well as for yourself,” says Beth Stentz, who has served for 15 years as a financial advisor with Edward Jones, a full service financial services firm.

To help you make the most of your charitable giving, the professionals at Edward Jones are sharing some tips and advice:

Choose Wisely

Selecting a deserving organization is a personal decision and depends on what’s meaningful to you. Would you prefer your donation stay in the community, or would you like it to have national or global impact? Whatever you choose, make sure the charity is trustworthy. To ensure the organization is a qualified charity, look for it on the IRS’ Tax-Exempt Organization Search, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance or the non-profit Charitynavigator.org that rates charities based on financial health, accountability and transparency.

Check Tax Deductibility

Qualified nonprofits include religious, charitable, educational, scientific and literary charities, as well as those dedicated to helping children and animals. Political organizations and candidates are not eligible. To claim a charitable tax deduction, you must donate to qualified organizations in good standing with the IRS. Go to IRS.gov to find out if contributions to the organization you select are tax deductible. A financial advisor can work with your tax professional to determine the most tax-efficient way to give to a cause.

Support Comes in Many Forms

If you aren’t able to contribute financially, consider donating time, clothes or household items that are in good shape but no longer used. Many organizations have lists of needed things on their websites.

Keep Records

If you plan to itemize charitable deductions, the IRS requires that you substantiate them. For amounts less than $250, records such as a canceled check, bank statement or credit card receipt can suffice. For donations of $250 or more, you must obtain a receipt or other written acknowledgement of the donation from the charity.

Consider Control & Flexibility

If you desire control and flexibility -- or if you have unique needs -- you might benefit from exploring advanced charitable giving strategies. Trusts, annuities, donor advised funds, and foundations are all things to consider with the benefit of input from professionals, such as your financial advisor and tax preparer.

To learn more about how to maximize the impact of your charitable giving, visit EdwardJones.com.

Whether you have been philanthropic for decades or are just starting to donate, there’s likely a giving solution that fits your goals.

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