We give generous cash donations to both M-o-W of MC and Montgomery County Food bank every year. Since the change in the Standard Deduction, it's tougher to qualify for a tax deduction for your charitable giving. If you're 72 years old, and are required to make an annual withdrawal (RMD) from your IRA, you can get a backdoor tax deduction by making a QCD -- qualified charitable distribution -- from your IRA. The distribution counts toward your RMD, but it won't count as taxable income, so you're effectively getting a tax deduction for your contribution. Be careful, though, there are specific rules to follow -- check with the financial institution that holds your IRA.

@otto : My taxes are different due to employment, but I always try to help a couple of local charites helping with those in need, animals, children, etc. Thanks for what you do with them and giving to them!

@otto : Great advice, thank you! I'm a ways from there, but will pass that on to my mom.