If you were planning to make a donation before the end of the year, we want to make sure you're aware of this mailing change to ensure that any of your year-end gifts are processed exactly how you intended.
What Changed?
As of December 24, 2025, the USPS will apply the official postmark at a regional processing center, not your local mailbox or post office. That means if you drop a donation envelope in a blue collection box, or even inside your local post office, it could be days before the envelope is officially postmarked.
And that delay matters.
Why the Postmark Matters for Charitable Giving
According to IRS rules, a charitable donation is considered made on the date it is mailed, but only if you have proof of that date.
Previously, the postmark date served as that proof. But now, since the postmark is applied later in the process, it may no longer reflect when you actually mailed your donation.
To ensure your gift is recorded for the 2025 tax year, we recommend:
💌 Mail early: Try to have your check in the mail by Friday, December 26
💌 Visit your local post office in person. Don’t drop your envelope in a mailbox or use a self-service kiosk.
💌 Request one of the following:
• A Postage Validation Imprint (PVI) from the USPS counter
• A manual postmark (hand-stamped by a USPS employee)
• Certified Mail or Registered Mail options that include a dated receipt.
These are all considered valid ways to document the date you mailed your gift.
💌 Give online: For immediate confirmation, you can make a secure gift on our website up until 11:59 pm on December 31.
We want to make sure your generosity is recognized in the tax year you intended. Here are some other tips to ensure your gift counts for 2025.
Thank you for your support!
With gratitude,
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Stacy Dubuc
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Director of Development
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P.S. My apologies if this email and your gift have crossed in the mail or cyber space! Thank you for supporting the Glacier National Park Conservancy.
