Kyle Penney

…And just like that, it’s March! Where did the time go?

I recently saw a post from a friend declaring “We made it!” She was referring to the fact that we recently reached a date, Feb. 7, where the sun set at 6 p.m. for the first time in 2025. The post went on to indicate that the sun won’t set before 6 p.m. again until Nov. 2.

There is plenty of research to support to positive effects of sunshine, such as better mood, higher energy, better sleep, enhanced brain function and increased vitamin D production. Longer daylight hours are the key to greater productivity, so it’s no wonder people feel like tackling projects they have been putting off.

If you are in the mood to do some spring cleaning, let me offer a few things to consider with regard to your charitable planning.

Charitable planning involves both short and long-term planning. What do I (or we) want to accomplish this year, and what do I want to see happen in the future, when I’m not here to control it? Charitable giving involves not just the organizations and activities you want to support, but also the people running them, and the people with whom you share your giving experience.

As you reflect back on the holidays and the start of the new year, take an assessment of the role of various individuals as it relates to your charitable giving. What has changed since this time last year? Have you lost a trusted spouse, friend or advisor that you formerly consulted regarding your giving? Do you feel lost without them or confident that you can proceed without their direct input this year? Do you need to add new voices to your decision team this year?

Did you involve your children or grandchildren in your giving last year? Would you like to involve them more or less this year? One strategy I’ve seen grandparents use is to set a giving budget for their grandchildren, to either match their own giving or allow them to direct a portion of your own giving to causes that are important to them. The key is not necessarily the size of a contribution, but the time spent with them discussing the causes they care about and learning why they want to support them. Such a philanthropic experience, during your lifetime, can help you craft a longer-term giving plan that may include them or their favorite charities.

Next, take a look at the organizations you supported last year and those you are considering this year. Has their mission changed? Have they expanded or had to reduce programs? Have they experienced any changes in leadership, and how might that affect their work this year? Have they indicated any new projects or challenges that they need to address with your help this year? Spring is the season for luncheons and galas and fundraisers, which can often be physical opportunities to learn more about the accomplishments and challenges facing local nonprofit organizations. If you are a supporter, plan to attend these programs and become better informed about their work and how they are stewarding your contributions and the contributions of others.

Keep a keen ear to any funding challenges local nonprofits may be experiencing. Federal funding sources, which is a primary source of many local and state grants, have never been scrutinized the way they are being scrutinized this year. In the process of Federal “spring cleaning” being conducted by DOGE, local funding may experience temporary or permanent changes. Your favorite charities should be sharing this information with you and letting you know if and how they are addressing temporary or permanent changes.

Finally, with your reflections on last year and any new knowledge gained this spring, map your giving plan for this year and beyond. If you haven’t reviewed your charitable estate plan in a while, it may be time to dust it off and see if it needs to be adjusted to factor in new family dynamics, changes in your personal charitable interests or challenges and opportunities facing your favorite charities. Our staff is eager to have a conversation with you, whether or not you need a fund at ETCF, to help you reach your short-term or long-term charitable objectives. We love finding creative ways to engage your family and help you craft a unique plan to meet your charitable objectives.

As you clean out your garage and tackle those piles in your study, reviewing your current and long-term charitable giving plans may be your next best opportunity to Give Well.