What is the main reason for making charitable gifts? Generally people ante up to benefit the organization or individual who receives them'to further their work and support their mission. Another reason is that people often consider using charitable gifts to reduce their taxable estate or provide valuable tax advantages.

There are many charitable giving options available to amplify a charitable gift. A right charitable giving strategy can benefit you and the charities chosen. Some strategies are simple; others require the assistance of professionals such as an attorney or tax advisor. Unquestionably the most popular way to give a charitable gift is writing a check, usually on the turn of a year. But this way is not always the most effective.

You don't need to be wealthy to help a specific charity. You can make substantial, tax-favored gifts without taking a hefty bite out of your current income or assets. All it takes is a little planning. Don't wait until the last minute to give. Planning ahead makes charitable giving work for you. Each year, more people have discovered (and taken advantage of) many financial benefits of planned charitable giving.

There are also additional benefits, such as the joy and peace of mind we feel, giving a gift that can significantly help the others. By making charitable gifts one shares his/her good fortune with other people. It seems important, because it is part of who we are.

In fact, giving to charities rewards the giver twice.