There are so many ways to give, and every gift makes a difference! Here, you’ll find instructions for different giving methods.
To send a gift by mail, please print and fill out the Financial Gift Form, and send it along with your gift to:
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
2802 Dairy Drive
Madison, WI 53718
To make a gift by phone with a credit card, or to speak to someone about giving, contact the Donor Relations Team at 608-216-7202.
Monthly support helps us plan ahead for greater impact – and many people find it convenient to receive automated digital receipts. If you give at least $100 per month, you will automatically become part of our Sustainer’s Circle, a special group of donors who have made an ongoing leadership commitment to making sure everyone has enough nutritious food. Join the Sustainer’s Circle today for exclusive group tours, events, and special updates.
We are so honored to be part of the way you celebrate and remember your loved ones. When you give online, you can send them an e-card with a custom message!
If you are over 70½ years old and must take a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA, consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to Second Harvest Foodbank. QCD amounts are not taxed, though they are also not eligible for an additional charitable tax deduction. Contact your financial institution for more information or to request a QCD. If you or they have further questions or would like to inform us of your intent to make an IRA gift, please email Eva Wingren or call 608-216-7242.
New information as of 2020: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided some tax incentives for charitable giving purposes. For example, the adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for cash contributions was increased for donors. Under the CARES Act an individual can deduct 100 percent of their AGI for cash gifts. This may offer an opportunity for those 59 ½ years old to benefit by taking a cash distribution from an IRA account and then contributing that amount back to a charity to offset taxes. This option is for those who are itemizing deductions. Reach out to your accountant to see how the CARES Act impacts your tax situation.
Many investment companies and community foundations offer clients the ability to consolidate their giving for tax and administrative benefits through Donor Advised Funds. Fund holders receive a charitable tax deduction at the time of funding and can recommend grants to 501c3 charitable organizations, like Second Harvest, later. If you already have a DAF account with funds available for distribution, consider recommending a gift from it this year.
Do you work with a foundation that has a grantmaking process, or have questions about how to focus your investment in a specific area of our work? Contact Kate Hephner, Grants Specialist, by email or at 608-216-7518.
A gift of appreciated stock is a wonderful way to give a larger gift. Contact Chris Ziemba, Donor Relations Manager at 608-216-7244 to discuss the process.
Second Harvest is a partner of FreeWill, where you can create a legally binding will for no cost. FreeWill makes it easy to designate a future gift from your estate, 401k, life insurance, or other assets to Second Harvest or your other favorite charities. Create your FreeWill today.
Have you already listed Second Harvest as a beneficiary in your will? Let us know by clicking here.
In addition, there are planned gift vehicles that can help fulfill your personal financial goals while providing Second Harvest Foodbank with important, long-term support. Ask your financial advisor and check out our Gift Acceptance Policy for more information.
An endowment is a special fund with the goal of making a long-term impact. Money in the endowment is invested, and Second Harvest is able to spend the earnings while not depleting the initial gift. Second Harvest has a General Endowment and the Thea Aschkenase Endowment for Food For Thought, which benefits our school pantry work. Contact Chris Ziemba at 608-216-7244 if you’d like to make an endowment gift towards creating permanent resources for ending hunger. Because of the additional administrative steps involved in processing endowment gifts, our minimum gift size for endowments is $500.
Thea Aschkenase was a Holocaust survivor who worked tirelessly to advocate against hunger, particularly in schools. Her daughter Lea honored her legacy by launching many school markets in the Madison area, which are now supported by Second Harvest. Your gift to the Thea Aschkenase Endowment for Food For Thought will be part of a permanent legacy to ensure that kids have the nutrition they need to thrive.
Give Time and Expertise
Our work to distribute nutritious food and end hunger would not be possible without community members giving time to sort, package, and deliver food to partners and programs.
Engaging in advocacy efforts can help raise awareness of Second Harvest’s mission, mobilize other community members, and express your public opinion around issues that matter to you.