As we enter the season of giving, a time when many people review their charitable giving plans you may want to take note of new federal tax law changes taking effect January 1, 2026. 

Key tax law changes taking effect beginning in 2026, are detailed in a link here from The Columbus Foundation. Individuals or households who itemize and for high-income households, along with small business owners will primarily be affected. Forbes.com suggests that it may make sense for those affected to accelerate charitable giving before the end of 2025. According to Russell James many donors are exploring options of combining several years of giving into one tax year to maximize deductions. This is a strategy that became popular in 2018 and is referred to as “bunching.”

For nearly 70 years, the CMA Foundation has turned physician-led philanthropy into measurable community change. As you plan your year-end giving and evaluate how the upcoming tax changes may affect your strategy, we invite you to consider a commitment to the CMA Foundation. 

Physicians built our Foundation to make real, positive impact that reflects their passions, priorities, and legacy. Your support, whether through an annual gift, contribution of appreciated assets, or a gift in your will or living trust, ensures that physician-led innovation continues to improve lives throughout our community.

Let’s Plan Together

The CMA’s Foundation is here to help you align your giving with your goals and values. Feel free to reach out to Paula Cosby, CMA Foundation Director at pcosby@cmafohio.org or 614-240-7410 to discuss options that make sense for you and your family. 

The CMA Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council kicked off the school year this week with a team building activity! Local educators Derek and Glennon with Erase the Space  facilitated an impactful workshop on how public policy can affect different communities. 

Students were assigned random descriptions of family characteristics, such as race, occupation, religion, etc. They used these assumed identities to figure out how their household would be affected by housing policy and redlining in Columbus. Many of the students were enlightened on how their own neighborhoods were impacted in one way or another. 
 
The workshop expanded their toolkit to enhance funding decisions as they provide grant support for local nonprofits in the months to come. 

Teens are taking the lead in improving youth health across Central Ohio through the Columbus Medical Association Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council. Comprised of students ages 13 to 18, this student-led council offers hands-on experience in healthcare philanthropy—equipping members to evaluate grant applications, support local nonprofits, and champion youth wellness. In just the first half of 2025, the council awarded $12,800 to seven impactful initiatives.

Local Matters: $2,000 for Food Matters in Franklin County - An educational series that teaches young students the importance of health and nutrition practices, as well as how to collaborate with their peers as they prepare delicious foods.

Lincoln Theatre Association: $2,000 for Patternz Summer Camp - An 8-week camp for youth surrounding arts education paired with social emotional learning skills lessons and participant performances each week.  

Femergy: $2,000 for Chica Sports Camp - Where girls that come from marginalized communities can come together at an overnight summer camp to address mental health, self-esteem, and racial equity.  

PBJ Connections: $800 for Youth Healing Connections - A program that supports mental health and suicide prevention for teens through equine (horse) therapy.

Girls on the Run Central Ohio: $2,000 for the Girls on the Run Spring 2025 5K - A celebratory 5K run to encourage young girls to do their personal best and develop strength of character. https://www.girlsontheruncentralohio.org/5k 

A Kid Again Central Ohio: $2,000 for Capes & Crowns Walk and Family Fun Fest - An event to support families raising children with life-threatening medical conditions via a quarter mile walk followed by a day of celebration.

Columbus Host Group: $2,000 for the Columbus Clinic 2025 with Remote Area Medical - A 2 day free clinic where patients can receive primary care services, including youth in underserved communities.

Know an Organization in Need?
Do you have an innovating idea for improving the health and wellness of youth in the community or know someone who does? You may be eligible for funding through the Youth Advisory Council! Learn more and apply here.

Getting Young People Involved
We invite CMA’s physician members to share the opportunity to join the Youth Advisory Council with their own children and others in their network. Any greater Columbus area student in grades 8-12 can apply to become a member.

• More information: https://www.cmafohio.org/yac
• Application: https://www.cmafohio.org/joinyac
• Questions: youthcouncil@cmafohio.org