By Linda Zelig
MnSF Development Manager

I think about how much of my organizational planning revolves around a financial calendar. Income usually has a predictable schedule. Bills come due every month. And every April I make a full accounting to my state and federal governments about "how I did" financially. You may not realize it, but charitable giving is seasonal too and revolves around specific events on an annual calendar. Here's how the five seasons of giving breakdown:

January-February - most people are thinking about plans for the entire year. Wills are created or revised, income tax planning has begun and Valentine's Day has some people considering gifts, including memorial gifts.

March-April is when urgent tax planning and reporting occurs. Tax advantages for the following year are considered and some charitable gifts are made at this time. The anticipation of spring and the emotional renewal felt around the celebrations of Easter and Passover have an effect on giving.

May-June becomes a Triple Crown of events that lead to giving because of Mother's Day, Memorial Day and Father's Day.

July-August are traditional months for family events, vacations, travel and reunions, which can trigger connections to worthwhile charitable giving. And - don't laugh - some people tend to think about wills and estate planning with the prospect of travel over a big body of water.

September-October becomes opportune for early planners for year-end tax advantages, while November and December are traditionally the high season for year-end giving.

The Minnesota Senior Federation has its own unique calendar for giving. We ask our members and friends to consider giving at particular times of the year based on the many programs and issues on which we are working. Thank you for your timely response to every need. If you see yourself in any of the other "seasons of giving" described here, please contact me at 651/783-5006.