When financial gain occurs, no matter how unprecedented it may be, it can become an opportunity to act on values and create lasting good. Recent tax-cut policy changes in the United States will likely provide significant benefits for many high-income earners who may not have anticipated them. During a time when communities across the world are under-resourced and struggling, now is the perfect time to give.
If you’re someone who will experience a financial gain due to these new tax cuts, I hope to help you see this moment as a chance to realign your resources with your values and begin a habit of giving that enriches both your life and the lives of others. If you’re feeling unsure or conflicted about starting your giving journey, I hope I can assuage those concerns.
Understanding Your Tax Break as an Opportunity
As the US Managing Director of Transformational Philanthropy at The Life You Can Save, I’ve witnessed a few types of emotional conflict that high-income individuals experience when approached with the opportunity to give. Many feel torn not because they lack generosity, but because they’re unsure where to start or how to ensure their gift will make a meaningful difference.
If this sounds familiar, I understand. Part of my role is to work with people who share these hesitations and who are beginning a journey toward giving with confidence and clarity. Initially unaware of what their gift can accomplish, they soon discover that giving can be as life-changing for them as it is supportive to those who receive it.
How Savvy Donors Approach Tax Break Giving
When I speak to donors new to The Life You Can Save, I notice that many of them are financially savvy. I think of these donors as “investors,” since they see their donations as thoughtful investments in the world they want to help shape. They want reporting, results, and transparency about how their money has been used, just as they would with their personal investments. As policy, technology, and societal values shift over time, I’ve found that one thing remains constant: donors consistently value clear, reliable information. These individuals are careful with their resources—they’ve made thoughtful financial decisions and expect their philanthropy to be similarly grounded in evidence and impact.
One donor I know is passionate about supporting charities focused on eye health and the prevention of blindness. She began giving through The Life You Can Save because she found evidence-based opportunities that matched both her personal interests and her high bar for transparency and impact. This is what we strive for: recommending nonprofits people can feel genuinely confident choosing, thanks to an evaluation system that evolves continuously to identify the most effective organizations addressing extreme poverty. It’s our mission, and we stay true to it.
Building Community Through Charitable Giving
Since joining The Life You Can Save in January, I’ve been out on the road getting to know our donors and meeting new potential givers. I work to bring people together—talking, listening, and inspiring participation on calls, at events, and after presentations. It’s striking how, despite differences in background, occupation, or political views, people are eager to join a community centered on generosity. They want connection. They want to share what they have and be part of something meaningful.
In this polarizing time, I’m inspired by the people I meet. Whether their financial resources are modest or substantial, they want to put them toward something good. Our donors range from college students to retirees; what unites them is the desire to contribute. In a time of fracture and discouragement, I see how people miss being part of something larger than themselves. When they connect with others who share values around generosity and global responsibility, I often watch them commit to becoming lifelong givers. Through giving, individuals join two remarkable communities: one made up of like-minded people who value compassion and impact, and another that is global in spirit and grounded in a shared belief that kindness can cross borders.
Starting Your Giving Journey with Your Tax Break
If you’re fortunate enough to receive extra funds due to recent tax changes in the coming years, I encourage you to consider beginning your own giving practice. This moment of financial gain can be a meaningful starting point. Invest in impact. Invest in community. Invest in the greater good we can create together.
