For many years, generous people like you faced a tough choice: take the standard deduction, which most Americans do, and miss out on deducting charitable gifts, or itemize your taxes to claim the deduction (which often saves less money overall).
That all changes starting January 1, 2026.
Thanks to a new federal law, taxpayers who take the standard deduction will now also be able to deduct a portion of their charitable giving. This is called an “above-the-line” deduction, meaning it reduces your taxable income even if you don’t itemize.
Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- If you file as an individual: You can deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts to qualified public charities.
- If you file jointly: You can deduct up to $2,000.
- Important: These must be direct cash gifts (checks, online donations, etc.). Contributions to donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, or private foundations don’t qualify.
This change matters because it allows your generosity to work in two ways:
- It blesses others. Every dollar you give to Midwest Food Bank helps us deliver food to the food-insecure and respond to disasters.
- It benefits you. If your household earns $80,000 and you give $2,000, you could reduce your taxable income to $78,000, lowering your tax bill.
This new opportunity is a powerful reason to plan ahead for your 2026 giving. It means your support of Midwest Food Bank can stretch further and make a real difference for the food-insecure while giving you tangible tax savings.
At Midwest Food Bank, we believe generosity is contagious. When you give, you inspire others to give. And now, with this change, your giving may inspire you too, by blessing your community and blessing you at tax time.
Your gift has always mattered. Starting in 2026, it can matter twice.
