This guidance is only relevant for people living in the US.

Reading

Other people have done comprehensive write ups, so I am not going to repeat it:

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/topics/personal-finance

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/un8ZjtG3px8mWeAjJ/credit-cards-for-ea-giving

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/GYcD5AzKsJeyHL6c3/using-the-tax-system-and-stock-market-to-donate-more-a-few

https://reducing-suffering.org/advanced-tips-on-personal-finance/

https://www.blackrock.com/us/financial-professionals/insights/donate-stock-to-charity-for-tax-savings

Main Takeaways

Donate securities with unrealized gains directly to nonprofit. Typically you have to email the nonprofit to obtain information about their DAF so that you can perform the transfer through your financial institution.
If you are donating using a credit card
1. ~~Donate through Facebook. They waive credit card fees.~~ Fees are no longer covered as of October 31, 2023
2. Use a high reward credit card, such as ‣, which gives unlimited 2.5% back.

Taxes

Definitions

Charitable Contribution

A charitable contribution is a donation or gift to, or for the use of, a qualified organization. It is voluntary and is made without getting, or expecting to get, anything of equal value.

Qualified Organizations

Qualified organizations include nonprofit groups that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific, or literary in purpose, or that work to prevent cruelty to children or animals.

1040

Generally, to deduct a charitable contribution, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040).