Special to the Chronicle

Charitable giving will be affected in 2019 by tax law changes, economic trends and social issues. The effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are still unclear but we are optimistic. Close-to-average to above-average growth in personal income growth in last year’s Gross Domestic Product will positively influence giving by individuals and families. At Central Carolina Community Foundation, our mission is to promote philanthropy in the Midlands. Foundation giving will be influenced by GDP growth. Foundations budget their giving based on asset growth and trends in the prior year’s S&P 500. We expect foundation giving to remain at 4% to 5% of total assets. Historically, corporate giving has depended on the economy’s overall health, We don’t have a crystal ball to see into the future. We can make one solid prediction: Regardless of how the year unfolds, we know that our community’s generous donors – individuals, foundations, and businesses – will be here to support nonprofit organizations across our region.

JoAnn Turnquist is Central Carolina Community Foundation CEO.