Make a Meaningful Gift Before December 31, 2025
As the year draws to a close, many in our community take time to reflect on what matters most to them. If Pacific Northwest Ballet is part of your story, there are several impactful ways to support the art and artists you love while also taking advantage of current tax opportunities before they change.
Angelica Generosa, photo © Lindsay Thomas.
Important Tax Changes Coming in 2026
We wanted to share some important information about upcoming changes to how charitable deductions will be calculated beginning in 2026. These changes, part of new federal tax legislation, will slightly reduce the tax advantages for many donors starting that year.
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Reduced Deduction Value for Top Earners
Beginning in 2026, individuals in the highest tax bracket will be limited to a maximum tax benefit of 35% of a charitable gift’s value, instead of the current 37%. In other words, you’ll receive a slightly smaller tax benefit per dollar donated.
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New AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) Floor
Also starting in 2026, donors who itemize their deductions will only be able to deduct charitable gifts that exceed 0.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). Through 2025, there is no floor—meaning all eligible charitable gifts are currently deductible.
Because of these shifts, giving before December 31, 2025 allows you to take advantage of today’s full deduction limits while supporting the organizations you care about most including PNB.
A Thoughtful Year-End Gift Can Go Further
With a bit of advance planning, your generosity can create a lasting impact for PNB. Below are a few giving options that may be especially beneficial in the final weeks of 2025.
Give Directly from Your IRA
If you are at least 70½, you can make a tax-free gift to PNB directly from your IRA. This type of contribution, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) or IRA Charitable Rollover, can be a powerful way to support PNB:
- Avoid income tax on what would normally be a taxable withdrawal
- Count your QCD toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you are subject to one
- Make an immediate impact on PNB’s productions, artists, and community programs
This option is simple, efficient, and can reduce your taxable income for the year.
Checks should be made payable to Pacific Northwest Ballet and mailed to:
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Office of Development
301 Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Consider a Gift of Appreciated Stock
With strong market performance this year and new tax changes taking effect in January, this is also an excellent moment to consider a gift of appreciated securities.
For many donors, appreciated stock is one of the most effective ways to support PNB’s artistic mission. If you’ve made stock gifts to PNB in the past, you’re already familiar with the benefits:
- Avoid capital gains tax on appreciated stock
- Receive a charitable deduction for the full market value
- Maximize the impact of your philanthropy
For stock transfers, please complete this form so that the gift will be properly credited when received.
Include PNB as a Beneficiary
Another meaningful way to support PNB—one that costs nothing today—is to designate PNB as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy, or donor-advised fund.
A beneficiary designation can:
- Create a lasting legacy that supports PNB’s dancers, productions, and community programs for years to come
- Ensure PNB remains a source of creativity and inspiration for future generations
- Allow you to retain control of your assets during your lifetime
Those who include PNB in their estate plans are welcomed into PNB’s Révérence Society, a special group of donors who have chosen to make a lasting commitment to the Ballet’s future. Becoming a member of the Révérence Society is a beautiful way to deepen your connection to PNB and the community of supporters who sustain our work.
Give Online
The easiest and quickest way to support PNB is to make a gift online! Make your year-end gift today; click here to donate.
A Quick Note
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or accounting advice. Please consult your advisors to understand how these options may relate to your personal circumstances.
PNB’s federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 91-0897129.
