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New for You: The Universal Charitable Deduction

If you make cash donations to nonprofits such as Culinary Institute of America, there’s a new way you could save on your taxes.

It’s called the universal charitable deduction.

Starting this year, you can give up to $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (married couples) in cash and still receive a charitable deduction—even if you don’t itemize. So even smaller donations can benefit you as you make an impact at CIA. (Note: Gifts to donor advised funds are excluded from this benefit.)

You can claim this deduction on top of the standard deduction, which for 2026 is $16,100 (single) and $32,200 (married filing jointly). If you are 65 or older, you may claim an additional deduction of $2,050 more (single filer) or $1,650 more (per qualifying individual if married filing jointly).

Also, for tax years through 2028, eligible seniors receive yet another deduction: $6,000 (single filer) or $12,000 (per qualifying individual if married filing jointly)—though this phases out at higher income levels.

Add it all up, and you get an easy new way to help those we serve right away while reducing your taxes. Talk to your tax professional about how this deduction aligns with your charitable goals. When you are ready to make a gift to support CIA, contact Brad Whitmore at 845-905-4277 or b_whitmo@culinary.edu for a no-obligation conversation.

Beyond Cash Giving: More Options for You

You may still benefit if you give appreciated stock or real estate, which eliminates capital gains tax on the growth, even if you don’t itemize. If you are 70½ or older, you can make a gift directly from your IRA to Culinary Institute of America. You pay no tax on the distribution, and if you are required to take minimum distributions, it can satisfy all or part of that obligation.

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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance. A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website (www.charitiesnys.com) or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or us at Hyde Park, NY. You also may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or (212) 416-8401.

CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT:
Office of Advancement
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499
845-905-4275
Email: advancement@culinary.edu
​© The Culinary Institute of America. All rights reserved. Phone: 845-452-9600
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