7 Ways to Maximize Your Gifts — This Season and All Year Long
by Kate Kelly, Director of Finance and Development
December 10, 2025
Have you seen that trend on social media where it says, “When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance”? Well, when you donate to Foster Progress, I’m that person doing the happy dance. (Don’t worry—I’ll spare you the video.)
We value every single donation that comes in. You work hard for your money, and we don’t take lightly the trust you place in us when you give. As we wrap up 2025, I wanted to share a few simple ways to help you get the most benefit from your gift—while helping our students in the biggest way possible.
Here are our top seven easy ways to maximize your giving:
Check for Employer Matching Gifts
Don’t scroll past those HR emails! If your employer matches donations, take a few minutes to submit your receipt (usually through platforms like Benevity or YourCause). Then let us know so we can include the match in our totals and projected income.
Switch to Monthly Giving
As you review your 2025 giving and plan for 2026, consider turning a once-in-a-while gift into a monthly one. As both a personal and professional budget nerd, I can tell you: monthly giving provides steady, predictable support—especially helpful between fundraising campaigns.
Donate Stocks or Securities
Giving stock can come with tax perks and may increase the value of your contribution. If this is something you’re considering, talk with your investment advisor—Foster Progress is fully set up to receive these gifts.
Use a Donor-Advised Fund
If you already have a donor-advised fund (DAF), you can recommend a grant to Foster Progress. Think of a DAF as a giving account where you invest funds, receive some advisory privileges, and direct grants to nonprofits over time. (Of course, check with your advisor to make sure it’s right for you.)
Make a Multi-year Pledge
We love surprise gifts, but multi-year commitments give our program team room to dream bigger and plan smarter. Spreading support over 2–3 years helps us grow sustainably and takes pressure off fundraising cycles.
Honor Someone Special
Make a tribute gift to celebrate a mentor or someone in your life who overcame the odds. We’ll send them a card letting them know a donation was made in their honor. (And if you want to pair that tribute with FP merchandise or another personalized touch, we’re happy to help! Message us here if you want to make a tribute gift.)
Use IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
For donors over 70½, a QCD can lower taxable income while supporting our students. Check with your IRA administrator to see if this option makes sense for you.
Every donation matters! We are so grateful for your investment in our work and your support throughout the year.