As the year draws to a close, many people begin thinking about the causes and communities that have shaped their year. For countless individuals across the Lakes Region, Makers Mill has become one of those places: a creative hub where people learn new skills, find belonging, build confidence, and discover what’s possible when hands come together with heart.
From our pollinator gardens to the hum of the woodshop, from fiber circles to welding classes, from youth makers to retirees rediscovering their passions, Makers Mill thrives because people believe in the power of making and learning together.
It also thrives because our community chooses to sustain it.
This year, with several grants winding down, we are turning to our supporters to help bridge the gap and keep our programs accessible for everyone. One meaningful way to do this is through tax-smart giving.
Why Tax-Smart Giving Matters
Tax-smart giving options allow supporters to make a significant impact and potentially receive financial benefits. Many people assume gifts of stock or IRA contributions require complicated paperwork or financial expertise—but the process is often far simpler than they expect.
Below are several commonly used, tax-efficient options for year-end giving:
1. Gifts of Appreciated Stock
Donating appreciated stock is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give.
Benefits include:
- Potential avoidance of capital gains taxes
- A larger charitable impact compared to selling stock first
- Simple transfer processes through most brokerage firms
In many cases, the donor fills out one short form to initiate the transfer.
2. IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
For those aged 70½ or older, making a charitable gift directly from an IRA can:
- Lower taxable income
- Satisfy part or all of a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
- Provide meaningful tax benefits
A QCD is typically just a simple instruction to your IRA custodian.
3. Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Gifts
If you already have a Donor-Advised Fund, you can recommend a grant to Makers Mill in just a few clicks.
DAF giving is:
- Easy
- Fast
- A powerful way to support programs, tools, and community resources you value
4. Cryptocurrency Donations
For individuals who hold digital assets, donating cryptocurrency can provide tax advantages similar to donating appreciated stock.
These gifts are processed quickly, securely, and with potential financial benefits for the donor.
Every Gift Makes a Difference
Whether someone chooses a tax-smart option or a traditional online gift, every contribution plays a vital role.
Your support helps:
- Maintain shared studios and high-quality tools
- Sustain volunteer-led programs
- Keep classes affordable and accessible
- Maintain a welcoming environment for all
- Strengthen partnerships with local schools, 4-H, homeschooling families, the Adaptive Arts community, and youth programs across the region
If you feel inspired to support Makers Mill before year-end, you can make a secure donation or learn more about ways to give at:
Thank You for Supporting Makers Mill
Your generosity helps keep creativity, learning, and connection thriving at 23 Bay Street in Wolfeboro. Every gift makes a difference, and every act of generosity helps ensure that this community remains a place where people of all ages can discover, make, and belong.