‘Tis the season of giving! Every year, the months of October, November, and December are nationally recognized as a time to show generosity through holiday gifting and donations. In fact, around 30% of annual charity donations happen in December alone. 

Why does this matter for Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF)? As we reflect on another wildly successful year of grant fundraising (including the 1.2 million raised at our Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon), we find ourselves looking ahead to 2026 and asking, “What causes shape our values, strengthen our neighborhoods, and create a more hopeful future?” The answer is clear: investing in women and girls is one of the highest-impact, highest-return actions you can take to build a stronger Atlanta.

Women ages 25-44 represent the top three demographics living in poverty in metro Atlanta, yet less than 2% of charitable giving in the U.S. goes to organizations serving women and girls. AWF exists to close that gap, and year-end giving plays a critical role in making that change possible.

Upcoming Tax Law Changes: What Donors Should Know Before Year-End

Many taxpayers are expected to see changes in federal charitable giving rules beginning in 2026, including shifts in how deductions are calculated for both itemizers and those who take the standard deduction. For some donors, these changes may reduce the tax benefit associated with charitable gifts. In contrast, for others, particularly those who typically take the standard deduction, they may gain access to new deduction opportunities, including strategies such as “bundling” contributions into a single year. Corporate donors may also see adjustments in how charitable deductions are calculated. Because the impact will differ for each household or business, AWF encourages donors to consult a financial advisor or tax professional to determine the optimal timing and structure of year-end giving so contributions can maximize impact for both donors and the women and girls AWF serves.

Tax-Smart Giving Strategies to Consider

• Make 2025 gifts if you typically itemize and want to maximize current-year benefits.

• Explore donor-advised funds (DAFs) if you are considering “bunching” multiple years of support.

• Consider gifts of appreciated stock, which may continue to offer significant tax advantages.

• Review your charitable giving totals if you are a recurring monthly donor to understand whether you may benefit from future standard deduction changes.

• Consult a financial advisor, since upcoming changes affect itemizers, standard deduction filers, and corporate givers differently.

Why Supporting Women is the Smartest Investment You Can Make

Supporting women isn’t charity. 

It’s a strategy. 

It’s economic development. 

It’s generational change. 

When women gain access to education, job training, healthcare, housing stability, and mental well-being, the impact extends far beyond any single moment. It reshapes entire families, strengthens neighborhoods, and builds healthier, more resilient communities.

Your year-end giving is essential to ensuring this work continues and expands in the year ahead.

The Generational Impact of Year-End Giving

Your donations fuel AWF’s cornerstone initiatives, including Breaking Barriers, Building Women, and All Girls Forward – all of which are transforming lives across the region.

All Girls Forward: 783 Girls Reached Across Metro Atlanta

In 2024, AWF’s All Girls Forward initiative supported 783 girls across 10 grantee organizations, helping them strengthen emotional health, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. Outcomes included:

• 744 improvements in emotional health, safety, and stability
• 439 gains in academic motivation and skills
• 227 leadership actions, including advocacy, public speaking, and STEAM exploration

These results reflect the power of investing in girls early, setting the foundation for future leadership and economic mobility.

These outcomes reflect AWF’s commitment as a Funder. Educator. Connector.—Working alongside partners to ensure girls have the skills and support to lead and thrive.

Breaking Barriers, Building Women: 254 Women Empowered

Through AWF’s Breaking Barriers, Building Women initiative, 254 women accessed job training, college pathways, housing support, childcare resources, financial literacy programs, and mental health services. Outcomes included:

• 469 positive impacts in income growth, education attainment, and housing
• 242 increases in skills, confidence, and motivation 
• 221 actions taken, including earning certificates, improving housing stability, and advancing careers

These numbers represent real women building real futures, and every year-end gift contributes directly to outcomes just like these.

Grant Recipient Voices: Why Giving to Women & Girls Matters

A Story of Empowerment: Destiny & Cool Girls, Inc. (All Girls Forward)

Among the ten nonprofits funded through AWF’s All Girls Forward: Girls Empowerment Program, Cool Girls, Inc. was selected for this year’s Impact Award. 

Consider Destiny. She joined Cool Girls in third grade and found what every girl deserves: safety, structure, opportunity, and unwavering support. Today, she holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University and is the founder of Being My Destiny, a global initiative focused on Black maternal health and empowerment. 

“The support from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation is transformational,” said Tanya Egins, CEO of Cool Girls, Inc. “Beyond funding, AWF provides resources, education, and trained board members through its Inspire Atlanta program. AWF’s investment allows us to serve more girls, deepen our programs, and give girls like Destiny the chance to change the world.”

Tanya’s words affirm what AWF donors make possible: funding becomes opportunity, and opportunity becomes a future. Funding is a symbol of hope that flowers into real, positive impacts in the lives of those who need hope most.  

A Story of Stability: Shan & HOPE Inc. (Breaking Barriers, Building Women)

H.O.P.E., Inc. – a Breaking Barriers, Building Women grantee – helps single parents earn college degrees, build life skills, and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. 

When Shan Parham, a single mother of two, found herself working full-time yet unable to secure stable housing or afford childcare while attending school, H.O.P.E. stepped in with housing support, childcare resources, financial counseling, and a plan to help her complete her degree.

With this support, made possible by AWF donors, Shan became a first-generation college graduate in 2024, creating economic stability for her family and opening doors for generations to come.

“The funding we have received from AWF has been remarkable. It has changed our capacity to help more people.”— Kenita Smith, CEO & Founder, HOPE Inc.

Stories like Shan’s remind us that when we invest in women, we are investing in families, in community resilience, and in long-term economic mobility across Atlanta.

How Your Year-End Donation Makes a Difference

Rather than assigning speculative dollar amounts to outcomes, AWF invests in long-term, data-driven solutions. Your contribution helps AWF:

• Expand mental and physical health services
• Provide housing support and financial stability programs
• Fund job training, career pathways, and workforce development
• Support education, tutoring, and academic success for girls
• Deliver life skills and leadership development
• Strengthen nonprofits through capacity building and community partnerships

In 2024, AWF invested $1.07 million into community programs, with over $1.7 million invested in 2025, thanks to donor generosity.

This Season of Giving, You Can Shape Atlanta’s Future

“Investing in women and girls creates a powerful ripple effect that uplifts families, strengthens the workforce, and builds more resilient communities,” Kari B. Love, CEO, Atlanta Women’s Foundation. 

This holiday season, your gift helps ensure every woman and girl has access to opportunity, stability, and hope in the coming year. 

Ways to Give: How to Support AWF Before Year-End

AWF offers multiple ways to donate, making it easy to support women and girls in Atlanta in the way that works best for you.

• Online Giving: Make a secure one-time or monthly gift via AWF’s website.
• By Phone: Call (404) 577-5000 to donate by phone.
• By Mail:
  The Atlanta Women’s Foundation
  3715 Northside Parkway, Ste. 4-725
  Atlanta, GA 30327
• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Recommend a grant from your DAF directly to AWF.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Make a tax-advantaged contribution directly from your IRA.
• Stock or Appreciated Securities: Donate stock or other appreciated assets for potential tax benefits.
• Employer Matching Gifts: Double your impact by checking your company’s matching gift program.
• Honor & Memorial Gifts: Make a gift in tribute to someone meaningful.
• Planned Giving: Include AWF in your estate plans or designate AWF as a beneficiary.

FAQ: Year-End Giving to AWF

Why is year-end giving important?

Year-end gifts allow AWF to launch and sustain programs for the upcoming calendar year, ensuring consistent support for women and girls across metro Atlanta.

How will my donation be used?

Your donation supports AWF’s grantmaking and programs focused on education, financial stability, housing, mental and physical health, leadership, and safety.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. AWF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Use Tax ID 58-2389721.

Can I set up monthly giving?

Absolutely. Monthly giving provides stable, predictable support, enabling AWF to plan for long-term impact.

Does AWF accept non-cash gifts?

Yes. You can donate stock, give through a donor-advised fund, or make a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA.

Can I make a gift in someone’s honor?

Yes. AWF offers tribute and memorial giving, with optional notifications sent to honorees or families.

Does my employer match gifts?

Many do. Matching gifts can double or even triple your impact.

Ready to Make an Impact Before Year-End?

Your generosity fuels the change you want to see. Donate today at atlantawomen.org!
Help build a more equitable future for women and girls this season of giving and beyond.