Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Blog

‘Tis the Season of Giving: Make it Count for Habitat Families

Written by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity | 9:12 PM on December 12, 2022

Gifts given at the end of the year can go a really long way when supporting Twin Cities Habitat families as they pursue their dreams of homeownership.

There’s no place like home for the holidays. Owning a home helps you be part of a community. You have more opportunities to know your neighbors. You're in it together to make your community better. That changes your life for the better. You can be more hopeful for the future.

Lots of people feel down around the holidays. They may feel lonely and disconnected for any number of reasons. It can also be harder to make ends meet. If you’re able to give to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, your donations will help more Minnesotans reach their dreams of homeownership.

Holiday season giving is crucial for nonprofits.



Why Giving at the Holidays Means Even More

A lot of giving happens between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. It’s so popular that those who are able to donate time and funds celebrate Giving Tuesday on November 29 every year. There are many reasons why now is the best time to get involved.

Nonprofits count on the money they collect during these two months to set their budgets for the new year. A website that tracks gifts to nonprofits estimates that 30% of all giving happens in December, with 10% coming in the final three days of the year. If you are among those able to give, consider Twin Cities Habitat—your gift can have a multi-generational impact

When you help a family buy a home they can afford, it can set off a chain reaction of positive opportunities. It means they can budget more easily, and save for things like going back to school or health care expenses. Kids who have a stable home also do better in school and enjoy better health. The chance to build equity that can be passed from one generation to the next is a pathway to greater self-determination for today’s children. 

Nonprofit organizations can’t depend on large donors alone. Organizations like Twin Cities Habitat, with a mission that focuses on the local metro area, get much of their funding from small donations. Local neighbors and supporters with $5, $10, or $20 to spare make it easier for Twin Cities Habitat to build homes for community members. That money can add up fast.

When the charitable giving season falls short, nonprofits have tough decisions to make, and sometimes have to resort to cutting programs. So there’s never a bad time to donate—but doing so as part of your holiday celebration may have an even bigger impact. 

With mortgage rates at their highest since 2002 and few starter homes available right now, families face many challenges when it comes to becoming first-time homebuyers. Your gift will make it possible to provide financial coaching and affordable mortgages for local families in 2023.


Why Donate to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity?

Each year, Twin Cities Habitat provides resources for families in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul to build the foundations for prosperity by buying homes of their own. As home prices in the Twin Cities soar, Twin Cities Habitat’s mission is more vital than ever.

As a donor, you play a role in protecting homeowners, expanding homeownership opportunities, and helping the community grow stronger. Generations to come are relying on the decisions we make today.

Donations also help Twin Cities Habitat’s nonprofit mortgage company - TCHFH Lending, Inc. - extend the opportunity of buying a home to more families throughout the seven-county metro area.

Save on Your Taxes When You Donate Today

Through December 31, 2022, you can lower your 2022 taxes when you donate to an eligible nonprofit.

Minnesota is currently the only U.S. state with a special state-level tax deduction for those who do not itemize their taxes, thanks to The Charitable Giving Relief Act of 1999.

As a Minnesotan, you’ll get a 50% tax deduction for charitable contributions over $500. Gifts to any 501(c)(3) organization are eligible. That includes registered nonprofits and faith organizations. All you have to do to qualify is donate, then choose not to itemize when filing your taxes. Consult a tax professional for details.

You can also benefit from federal charitable deductions. The 2022 deduction limit is:

  • 30% of adjusted gross income (AGI) for non-cash assets (held more than 1 year)
  • 60% of AGI for cash contributions

At Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, our work to support first-time homeowners never stops. Contact us today to learn about how you can get involved.