This ‘works’ except for the fact that any sort of enforceable contract (that, in year 6, it will eventually get around to you) will mean they are no longer gifts (and thus aren’t considered personal gifts underneath the relevant threshold). But even if it doesn’t get around to you, this is an improvement over not having anything to deduct yourself.
I also think that if the “sixth friend” donates $10k in line with each other friend’s values and beliefs (as a result of social expectation, not contract), then there’s no particular benefit to being the one who has to handle the money, and you don’t need to trust in multi-year commitments.
This ‘works’ except for the fact that any sort of enforceable contract (that, in year 6, it will eventually get around to you) will mean they are no longer gifts (and thus aren’t considered personal gifts underneath the relevant threshold). But even if it doesn’t get around to you, this is an improvement over not having anything to deduct yourself.
On the other hand, the social expectation of “I gave to you in your year, you can’t back out now!” is a strong commitment device.
I also think that if the “sixth friend” donates $10k in line with each other friend’s values and beliefs (as a result of social expectation, not contract), then there’s no particular benefit to being the one who has to handle the money, and you don’t need to trust in multi-year commitments.