Maimonides wrote that anonymous giving was a good deed performed for its own sake, and favored donations where neither the donor nor recipient would know each other’s identity.

Then there’s Rabbi Lawrence Kushner.

“I think Maimonides is wrong,” Kushner told The New York Times in 2013. “I think the poor man wants to know who’s giving the gift, and the rich man wants to see the smile on the poor man’s face.”

That may sound strange coming from a rabbi who banned any honors or special recognition for big-ticket donors when he led a Reform synagogue in Massachusetts. “The idea was it’s not about you.”

And maybe it really shouldn’t be, no matter how generous your gift. But there may also be some occasions when it should. Here are some considerations to take into account when deciding whether to make your generosity known or to keep it under wraps.

WHEN YOU MAY WANT TO GIVE PUBLICLY

• To inspire. Your gift could encourage others to break out their checkbooks. Warren Buffett and Bill Gates would likely not have convinced as many of their fellow billionaires to commit to donate at least half of their wealth if their Giving Pledge was kept under wraps.
• To lend credibility. Maybe you aren’t meant for the spotlight. But perhaps you support a worthy organization that, for whatever reason, flies under the radar. Having your name attached, especially if it’s a sizable gift, can lead to greater awareness of the organization and more donations from others down the road.
• To be recognized. It really does feel good to give. Sometimes you want people to know that.
  
  

WHEN YOU MAY WANT TO GIVE ANONYMOUSLY

• To avoid being overwhelmed. A generous gift may unleash a torrent of unwanted requests from other organizations or individuals. 
• To shield your wealth. If you’re only in a position to make one large gift, you don’t want to create a false set of expectations about a regular stream of donations.
• To give credit where credit is due. You feel that you were just the vessel and that those who are actually doing the work you made possible should get the credit.
• To avoid controversy. Maybe you support a cause or campaign at odds with the beliefs of family and friends and don’t want to offend them. Being on the wrong side of public opinion can also put your personal safety at risk.
  
  

Donor-advised funds are a popular way to ensure anonymity. These funds, which are administered by community foundations, religious organizations and large investment firms, allow you to place money in these accounts and have considerable—if not absolute—control over where it is donated. Checks sent to charities can use the fund’s name, not yours.

In contrast, private foundations are required by federal law to report the names of those who give $5,000 or more in a taxable year. Those names become a public record on a foundation’s IRS Form 990-PF. The same goes for direct gifts to public charities.

Another way to keep your name under wraps is to use an online clearinghouse like Network for Good, which allows you to make anonymous online donations to more than 1 million nonprofits. Receipts for your donations will come from Network for Good. Other possibilities include setting up a grantor trust or a single-member limited liability company. In both instances, you still get the charity tax deduction. However, both have limitations and potential red flags. Neither should be attempted without first consulting with legal or tax experts.

Also, bear in mind that the public vs. anonymous decision does not have to be absolute for all of your giving. One approach may be more appropriate than the other depending on the situation. Recognition vs. privacy. A leadership role vs. discretion. It’s your money. It’s your choice.

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