Ways to Give

Category	Method	How It Works	Why It’s Appealing
Straightforward Cash Gifts	One-time online or check	Donor gives via website, mobile app, mailed check, or in-person swipe.	Fast, familiar, and tax-deductible; perfect for appeals and Giving Tuesday.
	Monthly/recurring giving club	Automatic debit/credit charge at a set amount.	Lower barrier (“$15/mo”) but higher lifetime value; predictable cash flow for the nonprofit.
Leveraged Cash Gifts	Employer matching gifts	Donor submits receipt to HR; company doubles (or triples) the gift.	Doubles impact with no extra cost to the donor.
	Peer-to-peer or birthday fundraiser	Supporter sets up a personal campaign page and invites friends.	Expands reach to the donor’s network; good for social media engagement.
Tax-Smart Asset Gifts	Appreciated stock or mutual fund shares	Shares transferred directly to the nonprofit’s brokerage account.	Donor avoids capital-gains tax and deducts fair-market value.
	Cryptocurrency	Coins transferred to a nonprofit wallet or a processor like The Giving Block.	Fast settlement, low fees, and no capital-gains tax for donor.
	Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from IRA	Donor age 70½+ directs up to $105k/year (2025 limit) straight from IRA to the charity.	Counts toward the Required Minimum Distribution but isn’t taxable income.
	Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) grant	Donor recommends a payout from their Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, etc. DAF.	Simple one-click grant for donors who already “pre-funded” their giving.
Legacy & Planned Gifts	Bequest in a will or living trust	Donor names the nonprofit for a percentage or specific amount.	No cost today; can create a named endowment or scholarship for veterans.
	Beneficiary designation	Nonprofit is listed on life-insurance, retirement, or bank accounts.	Simple form, bypasses probate, and can be updated any time.
In-Kind & Non-Cash Support	Vehicles, equipment, or real estate	Donor signs over title; charity sells or uses assets (e.g., wheelchair vans, workshop tools).	Large one-time value; donor deducts fair-market value or sale price.
	Professional services or goods	Lawyers, therapists, or contractors donate billable hours/materials.	Cuts program costs while highlighting community expertise.
Community & Event-Based	Event sponsorships	Businesses fund a veterans’ gala, golf tournament, or 5K in exchange for branding.	Marketing value for the sponsor; prestige for the event.
	Round-up & checkout donations	Retail partner asks customers to round up purchase totals or add $1 at checkout.	Micro-gifts add up quickly; builds public awareness of the cause.

Why Your Donation Matters

California is home to more than 1.4 million veterans and countless families who have served and sacrificed. Grant foundations across the state bridge the gaps where federal benefits leave off—providing rapid emergency relief, comprehensive supportive housing, local community improvements, and culturally informed mental-health care. The results are clear: fewer individuals experiencing homelessness, stronger families, improved access to health services, and millions in unlocked federal and community resources. Even modest, well-placed grants create lasting change for those who have served and for the communities they help build.

Your support enables us to deliver emergency relief, fund essential programs, and strengthen community partnerships statewide.

Together, we can ensure that every Californian who has served—along with their families and neighbors—receives the care, opportunity, and recognition they deserve.