Do You Have These Year-End Fundraising Deadlines on Your Radar? You Should!

Every December, I’m reminded just how quickly the year can slip away.

At Veritus, we spend this time alongside hundreds of fundraisers who are juggling donor meetings, gratitude calls, family obligations, internal deadlines, organization events, and more than a few distractions. And donors are doing the same. Between holidays, travel, and end-of-year planning, it’s remarkably easy for important details to get lost, especially when it comes to gift timing.

That’s why I wanted to dedicate a blog post around year-end deadlines.

When you understand key dates and deadlines, and help donors navigate them, you’re showing up as a thoughtful partner. You’re helping donors align their generosity with their goals, avoid unnecessary stress, and, most importantly, make the impact they intend on time.

Below is a practical guide you can use with donors as you head into the final stretch of the year.

A Critical Reminder Before You Begin

Many non-profits operate with limited business hours during the holidays. Encourage donors to reach out early so gifts can be processed properly and acknowledgment letters issued in time for the 2025 tax year.

Year-end giving always feels tight. Planning ahead makes all the difference.

December 20–23, 2025

Appreciated Stock Gifts 
This is one of the earliest deadlines and one of the easiest to miss.

To ensure proper processing and valuation, stock transfers should be initiated by December 20–23, depending on the donor’s broker. Both the donor’s broker and the non-profit’s brokerage need time to complete the transfer.

A key reminder for donors: Do not sell the stock first. Selling triggers capital gains tax. The advantage comes from donating the appreciated asset directly. This is a great moment for a proactive check-in with donors who regularly give this way.

December 27–28, 2025

Wire Transfers

Wire gifts typically need to be initiated no later than December 27 or 28, depending on the bank. Some institutions require even earlier initiation, especially around holidays. If a donor is considering a wire, this is one area where early communication is essential.

December 31, 2025 (End of Day Matters)

This date carries multiple deadlines, each with important nuances.

Credit Card Gifts

Gifts must be completed by 11:59 p.m. local time on December 31. The IRS recognizes the date the charge is made, not when it posts or clears. Encourage donors to give earlier in the evening to avoid processing delays or time-zone confusion.

Checks Sent by U.S. Mail

Checks must be postmarked by December 31 to qualify for the 2025 tax year.

Checks Sent via FedEx, UPS, or DHL

These must be physically received by December 31. Unlike USPS, the postmark rule does not apply. This distinction is often misunderstood and worth explaining clearly.

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

For QCDs, timing is critical. The funds must leave and clear the IRA account by December 31. Simply requesting or mailing the distribution is not enough. This is one of the most common year-end pitfalls for donors.

Before December 31

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Grants

DAF processing times vary by sponsor, and year-end volume can slow things down. Two reminders worth sharing with donors:

• Grant recommendations should be submitted as early as possible.
• The tax deduction occurs when the donor contributes to the DAF—not when the grant is made to your organization.

Helping donors understand this distinction builds trust and confidence.

Why These Deadlines Matter

Year-end fundraising can feel frantic, but when you help donors understand when and how they can give most effectively, you’re honoring their intentions and reinforcing The Veritus Way.

As you prepare for the close of this year and look ahead to the next, remember that your donors want to make an impact. With thoughtful guidance and timely reminders, you can help them do that in a timely fashion.