Philanthropy or Charity

Both charity and philanthropy possess the same goals of addressing needs and making the world a better place but with different approaches. One deals with direct relief and the other with root causes and finding solutions.

Is one better than the other? Of course not! They are just two different ways of solving problems and both are essential to the functioning of a decent society.

Recently, there have been changes to the tax code regarding charitable giving.

Three Acts have been passed recently - The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE) and the Corona Virus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES). All have some impact on deductibility of charitable contributions. They also may offer some additional advantages. For example, a qualified charity may receive your IRA with no tax consequences since charities do not pay taxes. Appreciated assets are also beneficial as a gift to a charity, as capital gains tax can be avoided.

Another way to contribute is through a community foundation, which is a grant making public charity that is dedicated to improving lives in a particular community. Individuals, families, businesses and non-profit groups establish funds within the foundation in which they can contribute assets for charitable purposes. The foundation manages the assets and takes suggestions from those that set up the fund on how and where to distribute the resources. There are over 700 community foundations in the United States.

Whether one chooses charity or philanthropy, the ultimate goal is to help the community by using personal skills and resources to make a difference.

INTERIOR DESIGN

TRENDS FOR 2022

After the last eighteen months, many people are now seriously considering updating their homes - creating new spaces, changing color schemes, furniture and even artwork. It’s become clear that home décor has an impact on emotions and well-being.

An emphasis on natural light, good ventilation, and biophilic (connection with nature) design have gained in popularity. This is accomplished with the use of indoor plants, skylights, and open indoor-outdoor floorplans. Another noted concern is on climate change; many are now considering sustainability and which materials are best to use for the health of our planet.

Homeowners want spaces that reflect their personalities, interests, hobbies, and history. Outdoor spaces are being treated as integral parts of the home, creating additional rooms to expand a family’s living and entertainment spaces. Stylish furniture is being chosen to be compatible with the indoor space.

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