Fear of Fiscal Cliff Prompts Last-Minute Philanthropy
Did you rush to give -- and reap the tax benefits -- at the end of the year?
With the potential for changes to the charitable giving deduction, income and estate tax rates, some big philanthropists made 11th hour contributions to take advantage of the existing tax breaks, according to The Washington Post. Smaller donors -- old clothes and household goods in tow -- acted quickly, too. Traditionally, wealthy donors make year-end donations, with many high profile people doing so in 2012. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg gave almost $500 million to a foundation; producer David Geffen earmarked $100 million for medical scholarships and publisher Mort Zuckerman added $200 million to Columbia University’s coffers. Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, told the Post that “some people have accelerated …
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