Quick answer: To count for 2026, a gift generally must be made by December 31: online and credit card gifts count in the year they’re charged, and mailed checks count on the date you mail them (IRS Pub 526). New for 2026 returns, people who don’t itemize may deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) (IRS Pub 6196). Check whether your employer matches gifts, and keep your receipts.
The last weeks of the year are when many people make their most meaningful gifts. If you’re planning year-end donations to nonprofits, this guide covers the timing, tax basics and simple ways to multiply your impact. It’s general information, not tax advice; please consult a tax advisor about your situation.
Why year-end giving matters to nonprofits
December is the most important month of the year for many nonprofits. According to M+R Benchmarks 2026, nonprofits received 37% of their 2025 online revenue in December, with the last week of the year accounting for 10% of annual online revenue and December 31 alone for 4% (M+R Benchmarks).
For a growing organization like Dr Sex Ed, year-end gifts help us plan the winter and spring lessons, workshops and trainings that schools and community groups request in January.
Key deadlines
Gifts made online or by credit card
According to the IRS, contributions charged to a credit card are deductible in the year you make the charge, even if you pay the bill in January (IRS Pub 526). Give online by 11:59 p.m. on December 31 in your time zone to be safe, and save your email receipt.
Gifts by check
A check you mail to a charity is considered delivered on the date you mail it. Make sure it’s postmarked by December 31.
Gifts by text
Gifts made by text message and charged to your phone bill are deductible in the year you send the text.
Tax basics for 2026
New: a deduction for people who don’t itemize
Starting with 2026 tax returns filed in 2027, eligible taxpayers who take the standard deduction may deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying cash contributions, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly (IRS Pub 6196). A few notes from the IRS:
- The gift must be cash (including checks and card payments) to an eligible charity.
- Gifts to donor-advised funds generally don’t qualify for this deduction.
- Keep records, such as receipts or bank statements.
Itemizers
If you itemize, charitable gifts may be deductible subject to IRS limits. See IRS Topic 506 and Publication 526, or ask a tax professional.
Receipts for gifts of $250 or more
For any single gift of $250 or more, you need a written acknowledgment from the charity to claim a deduction (IRS). You should receive an email receipt when you give through Givebutter or Zeffy; if you don’t, or you need a written acknowledgment, reach us through our contact page.
Check a charity’s status
The IRS recommends using its Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool to check whether an organization is eligible to receive deductible gifts, searching by name or EIN. Our EIN is 33-4612296.
Five ways to make your gift go further
1. Ask about employer matching
Many employers match employee donations to eligible nonprofits. Check your benefits portal or ask HR, then submit a match request with your receipt. If your company needs our details, use our legal name, DR SEX ED AI UNIVERSITY INC, and EIN 33-4612296.
2. Make it monthly
A monthly gift turns one year-end decision into year-round support. M+R reports that monthly giving made up 27% of nonprofits’ online revenue in 2025 (M+R Benchmarks). Join our Circle of Champions.
3. Give in someone’s honor
Cross a name off your holiday list by dedicating your gift to someone you care about.
4. Use a donor-advised fund
If you have a donor-advised fund, you can recommend a grant to Dr Sex Ed using our legal name and EIN. (Remember: these gifts generally don’t count toward the new non-itemizer deduction.)
5. Share with friends
Forward this guide or our donation link to friends and family. Peer recommendations help small nonprofits reach new supporters.
Make your year-end gift
A gift before December 31 helps us start the new year ready to say yes to schools, families and adults who need accurate health education.
Donate securely with Givebutter →
Prefer a different checkout? You can also give through Zeffy. Monthly gifts are welcome on either platform.
Dr Sex Ed (DR SEX ED AI UNIVERSITY INC) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 33-4612296. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Your year-end giving checklist
- Decide on your total giving budget for the year.
- Pick the causes and organizations that matter most to you.
- Check each charity’s status with the IRS search tool.
- Give by December 31 (online, by card, or with a check mailed by then).
- Ask whether your employer will match your gift.
- Save every receipt and acknowledgment in one folder.
- Consider setting up a monthly gift for next year.
- Talk with a tax advisor if you have questions about deductions.
How to choose a nonprofit you trust
Before you give, it’s reasonable to ask:
- Is it a registered 501(c)(3)? Check the EIN with the IRS search tool.
- Is the mission clear? What does the organization do, and for whom?
- Is the information accurate? For a health organization, are claims sourced and is content evidence-based?
- Is it transparent? Can you find program details and contact information easily?
- Does it fit your values? Choose causes you care about.
Why give to health education this year
Health education is uneven across the U.S. Only 26 states require sex education to be medically accurate (Guttmacher). The CDC counted more than 2.2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in 2024 (CDC). Accurate, accessible education helps people make informed decisions, from teens learning about consent to adults navigating menopause.
Your year-end gift supports:
- Classroom programs for grades 6–12, including parent take-home guides in English and Spanish.
- Educator training for teachers, nurses and counselors.
- Parent workshops that make hard conversations easier.
- Dr Ed, our free AI health educator for ages 13+ (under 13 with a parent’s consent), at drsexed.ai.
Read the evidence in Why Sex Education Matters, and explore our programs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for year-end donations?
Generally December 31. Credit card and online gifts count in the year they’re charged, and mailed checks count on the date they’re mailed.
Can I deduct donations if I don’t itemize?
Starting with 2026 tax returns, eligible non-itemizers may deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. Consult a tax advisor about your situation.
Do I need a receipt for my donation?
Keep records for every gift. For any single gift of $250 or more, you need a written acknowledgment from the charity.
How do I find out if my employer matches gifts?
Check your benefits portal or ask HR. Submit a match request with your donation receipt and our legal name and EIN.
Is Dr Sex Ed a registered nonprofit?
Yes. DR SEX ED AI UNIVERSITY INC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 33-4612296. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Do gifts to donor-advised funds count for the new deduction?
Generally no. The IRS says gifts to donor-advised funds generally don’t qualify for the new non-itemizer deduction.
Sources
- IRS. Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p526
- IRS. Publication 6196 (10-2026), Charitable Contribution Deduction Tips for Non-Itemizers. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p6196.pdf
- IRS. Topic 506, Charitable Contributions. https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc506
- IRS. Charitable Organizations: Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/charitable-organizations-substantiation-and-disclosure-requirements
- M+R Benchmarks 2026: Fundraising. https://mrbenchmarks.com/fundraising/
- Guttmacher Institute. Sex and HIV Education. https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/sex-and-hiv-education
- CDC. STI Surveillance 2024 (Provisional). https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/index.html