Important Update on Mailed Year-End Gifts

The U.S. Postal Service recently clarified how postmarks are applied, which could impact the timing of year-end gift recognition for donors who mail checks. A postmark now reflects the day USPS processes your mail, not the day you drop it in the mailbox.

Because mail in many areas is routed through regional processing centers, the postmark could be a day or more later than when you mailed it. If you want your year-end gift recognized in 2025 for tax or other purposes, don’t wait.

By law, The Community Foundation must use the postmark date on the envelope when processing gifts by mail, regardless of when you wrote the check or placed it in the mailbox. If your gift must be made in 2025, we recommend the following:

• Mail early. If you plan to make a year-end gift by mail, send it as soon as possible to allow time for processing.
• Request a hand-stamped postmark or use certified mail. This ensures the date reflects when you mailed it.
• Drop it off. Our staff will be available to accept donations at our office through Wednesday, December 31, except Christmas Day. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please consult with your professional advisor for more information about this change and its implications.

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