Getting a few dollars knocked of your tax bill probably isn’t the main reason you give to charity.

If you’re like most of us, you give because you care about the health of children, about a clean environment, or great arts programming, because a neighbor asked you, because quality education is important. You give because you care about the quality of life in our community, and in the world.

But a little financial incentive certainly doesn’t hurt.

Unfortunately, for approximately 95 percent of Americans, the value of the charitable giving tax deduction is going to disappear under tax reform, if it passes in its current state.

This is not to comment on the overall merits or demerits of tax reform. This is to say that the tax incentives for giving – on which we have all relied for longer than we can remember – are going away.

And it’s to say that it might be a good idea for you to go ahead and make charitable gifts now — before January 1, 2018 — so you can take the deduction in the 2017 tax year.

To be clear, the deduction itself isn’t being eliminated. Rather, by doubling the standard deduction, the proposed tax plan will mean that the vast majority of taxpayers will no longer itemize. Since itemizing is how we take advantage of the charitable giving tax deduction, most taxpayers won’t be able to deduct gifts from their taxable income.

Let me repeat: We know that a tax deduction is not the primary reason that people give to charity. Study after study has shown that people give because they want to make an impact and because it brings them joy.

But the ability to take a tax deduction can affect how much people give to charity, according to preliminary research on the potential impact of tax reform. As one donor told us at the Delaware Community Foundation, “I will still give. I just might not give as much.”

That’s not because people are less generous or caring. It’s simply math.

Say you’re on a tight budget, but you figure out that you can afford to give $75 to your favorite charity. Then, you know you’ll qualify for a tax deduction, so you can really afford to make a $100 gift because you’ll get $25 back at tax time.

Under the pending tax reform, when you no longer itemize, you won’t be able to deduct that gift. So now, that $100 gift is really going to cost you the full $100. If your budget only accommodates $75, you end up giving $75 instead.

Who loses? Your favorite charity and, most importantly, those it serves. This worries us.

The undisputed estimates are that tax reform will result in a drop in charitable giving amounting to between $12 billion and $20 billion per year.

But many taxpayers have the opportunity to maximize the charitable giving tax deduction between now and December 31. While everyone should consult with a financial adviser before making major decisions, there are a couple of tactics that will be advantageous for many people.

First, consider making some of next year’s charitable gifts right now. If you typically give to certain organizations each year, you (and the recipient) may benefit by accelerating those donations to the 2017 tax year.

Second, talk to your adviser about whether a donor advised fund or similar vehicle might be right for you. With a donor advised fund, donors make a gift into a fund (like an account) at the local community foundation, take the tax deduction immediately, and then can decide later what nonprofits to support and when, with the added benefit of community knowledge and philanthropic expertise from the foundation team.

Generosity is a constant in our society. We are confident that next year and after that, Delawareans will continue to support things that matter to our communities. At the same time, tax policy matters.

During this season of giving — and last-minute tax planning — we encourage you to talk to your adviser about how you can maximize the existing charitable giving tax deduction and, as a result, maximize your impact in the First State.

Giving Tuesday is behind us. But everyday Giving is still with us.

America’s social sector is a wondrous thing – fueled by generosity of time, talent, spirit, and money. In the midst of the giving season, between our day of thanks and the giving holidays, I find inspiration everywhere – from the people who mentor students, who serve meals to the hungry, who coach kids’ teams, volunteer for our local theaters, serve on boards, and in general, make our communities great places to be.

And of course, charitable giving is a big part of that. As you think about your end of year giving, consider the following:

• Give to the things that bring you joy, and about which you are most passionate. It will make you feel even more committed.
• Lots of small gifts are wonderful and valued, but a few targeted gifts can have a very powerful impact. If you know the things you care about most, consider focusing on them – and the organizations involved in them.
• The vast majority of nonprofit organizations in this country are above-board and include hard-working, honest people. If you’re not sure about an organization, research them – on the web, or even by calling. If an organization can’t give you answers to your questions, find somebody else.
• Don’t get overly hung up on overhead rates. If an organization tells you they spend 50% on overhead, that’s a problem, but don’t assume that a low rate is always a good thing, either. Spending too little on management can be just as bad as too much.
• If you really care about an organization, tell a friend. Word of mouth is the most powerful way to build giving to an organization.
• And finally, be joyful. Those of us who have some resources to share are fortunate. And those who work to help others are doubly fortunate. Share the joy.

Happy holidays. #GivingEveryday