As 2025 comes to a close, many of our supporters are asking:
How can I do the most good for animals while also being wise about my finances?

The good news is that there are powerful ways to give that can help animals and potentially reduce your taxes. These strategies enable your compassion to extend further, supporting vital rescue, advocacy, and care for animals who depend on us.

A Helpful Video for Thoughtful Giving

We wanted to share a video you might find especially useful.
In it, FreeWill Co-CEO Patrick Schmitt interviews Dr. Russell James, widely considered one of the world’s leading experts on charitable giving, about some of the smartest ways to give at year-end.

It’s a quick watch packed with insights to help you make the most of your generosity—whether you’re supporting In Defense of Animals or any cause close to your heart.

Three of the Most Effective “Tax-Smart” Ways to Give Before December 31

1. Make a Gift from Your IRA (Qualified Charitable Distribution)

If you’re 70½ or older, you can transfer funds directly from your IRA to In Defense of Animals (IDA).

• Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution if you’re 73 or older.
• You can give up to $108,000 per person in 2025.
• Your gift goes directly to IDA, so it’s excluded from taxable income.

This is one of the simplest and most tax-efficient ways for retirees to help animals—just be sure your gift is completed by December 31, 2025, to count for this tax year.

2. Recommend a Grant from Your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

A donor-advised fund acts like a charitable investment account, offering convenience, flexibility, and immediate tax benefits.

• Recommend a grant to In Defense of Animals quickly and securely through your DAF portal.
• Bundle multiple donations into one receipt for simpler recordkeeping.
• Contribute appreciated assets (like stocks) to your DAF and recommend grants over time.

Many donors love the ease of making a DAF gift at year-end—it takes just a few clicks to provide lifesaving support for animals.

3. Donate Appreciated Stock

If you own stock, bonds, or mutual funds that have increased in value, consider donating them directly to IDA.

• Avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation.
• Deduct the fair market value of your gift if you itemize.
• Provide IDA with maximum resources to protect animals worldwide.

This is one of the most tax-smart ways to give if you’ve held investments for more than one year.

Make Your Gift Count by December 31

Whichever option is right for you, completing your gift before December 31, 2025, ensures that:

• You may enjoy valuable tax benefits.
• Your generosity bolsters urgent campaigns to protect, rescue, and care for animals.
• Every dollar given in a tax-smart way goes further—for you and for the animals who need us most.

Give Smarter Today – Support In Defense of Animals

Thank You for Making Compassionate and Tax-Smart Choices

Your generosity brings hope and healing to animals around the world.

Together, we can create a world where every animal is safe, cared for, and free from suffering.