Julia McDonald

As we look toward the future and continue addressing challenges around food access and connection, nourishing our neighborhoods is more important than ever.

As we reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we remember his fight against systemic racism, poverty, and inequality. Dr. King’s vision of economic justice remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.

This year, it was clear to us that business as usual was not an option. Across Memphis, nonprofits were navigating deep funding disruptions, rising costs, and growing community needs, all at the same time. The Community Foundation reacted by launching Responsive Grants, designed to help organizations continue essential services, sustain core operations, and remain steady during a season of uncertainty.

Most New Year’s resolutions focus inward—losing weight, exercising more, or breaking bad habits. This year, why not make a resolution that impacts others? Commit to becoming intentional about your giving, not just in resources but also in relationships.

The holiday season is a time to reflect, connect, and share joy with loved ones. It’s also an opportunity to build a legacy of kindness through family philanthropy. As you gather with family, consider what legacy means to you. Is it about shared values, meaningful traditions, or acts of generosity that inspire future generations?

This Saturday, December 13, hundreds of volunteers will come together for one of Memphis’s most heartfelt holiday traditions—Team Max Operation Christmas Basket.

As year-end approaches, we often get questions about making charitable gifts using Qualified Charitable Distributions, or QCDs. A QCD allows individuals aged 70½ or older to donate directly from their IRA to a charity, avoiding taxes on the donated amount.

Looking to make your giving go further? Two strategies are especially helpful: “bunching” your donations and giving appreciated assets.

This summer, Congress passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” bringing big changes to charitable giving starting in 2026. One of the most notable updates: if you take the standard deduction, you’ll now be able to deduct cash gifts—up to $1,000 for individuals, or $2,000 for married couples—directly to qualifying charities.

Each year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Memphis Chapter honors those who embody the spirit of giving through the Crystal Awards. This year’s honorees remind us how generosity can take many forms.