The New Rules of Giving: Jennifer V. Abelaj on Navigating the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Jennifer V. Abelaj, founder of Abelaj Law in New York City and a nationally respected nonprofit and tax attorney. Together, they unpack the sweeping implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — and what it means for donors, fundraisers, and charitable organizations moving forward. Jennifer explains how the new legislation reshapes charitable giving by introducing a 5% nondeductible floor for itemized deductions starting in 2026. She explores how this change may influence donor behavior, prompting strategies like “bunching” contributions, and shares practical steps nonprofits can take now to prepare for a new fundraising landscape. The conversation also delves into the crucial operational side of nonprofit readiness: developing gift acceptance policies, understanding risks tied to large donations, and maintaining public charity status under the IRS’s public support test. Jennifer and Rick close by discussing emerging trends in the sector — from nonprofit mergers to dissolutions — and what these shifts reveal about the evolving charitable ecosystem. The conversation explores: Key tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act How “bunching” affects donor giving strategies Preparing nonprofits for larger, less frequent gifts Protecting public charity status and avoiding compliance pitfalls About the Guest Jennifer V. Abelaj is the founder and principal attorney at Abelaj Law, where she focuses on tax, estate, and nonprofit law. Known for her clarity and integrity, Jennifer advises charities, philanthropists, and foundations on how to operate with legal precision and long-term sustainability. Her practice combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of the philanthropic sector’s human side — helping organizations do good, do it well, and do it right. 📧 Contact Jennifer: [e-mail] 🌐 Learn more: www.abelajlaw.com Key Takeaways The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates a 5% floor for itemized charitable deductions starting in 2026. “Bunching” contributions can help donors maximize tax benefits. Nonprofits must update gift policies and donor engagement guidelines. Monitoring the public support test is critical to maintaining 501(c)(3) status. Mergers and dissolutions are rising — underscoring the need for strong governance and planning. Subscribe to the Charitable Giving News for You newsletter for more stories, resources, and tips: Subscribe to Charitable Giving News for You.