GLOSSARY

charitable giving

Charitable giving, in the context of financial advisors is a wealth management strategy that allows investors to donate assets—including appreciated securities, real estate, and other holdings—to qualified charitable organizations while optimizing their investment portfolio and tax efficiency.

Charitable giving and investment portfolios

Tax-efficient giving

Investors can donate appreciated securities directly from their portfolios to avoid capital gains taxes that would otherwise be triggered by selling. This approach allows donors to contribute at full market value while eliminating embedded gains—a particularly valuable strategy for long-held positions or highly appreciated stocks.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs)

A popular vehicle for portfolio-focused donors, DAFs allow investors to contribute appreciated assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and distribute to charities over time. The funds are invested and can grow tax-free, providing a way to build charitable capital while maintaining investment flexibility.

Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs)

These vehicles enable investors to transfer appreciated securities into a trust, receive income distributions during their lifetime, and have remaining assets go to charity. This strategy creates liquidity for concentrated stock positions while generating ongoing income and tax benefits.

Portfolio rebalancing

Charitable giving can serve as a portfolio management tool, allowing investors to donate underperforming or unwanted holdings while maintaining their target asset allocation—without incurring capital gains on the disposition.

Wealth transfer planning

For investors managing significant portfolios, charitable giving strategies integrate with broader estate planning, allowing them to reduce taxable estates while supporting causes aligned with their values.

The latest charitable giving news

Displaying 413 results
Fidelity Charitable grants soared in first half even as market cratered
RIA NEWS JUL 21, 2022
Fidelity Charitable grants soared in first half even as market cratered

Its donors recommended nearly a million grants to charity totaling a record $4.8 billion in the first half, up 11% from $4.3 billion in the first half of 2021.

Direct indexing gains appeal as taxable losses mount
RIA NEWS JUN 20, 2022
Direct indexing gains appeal as taxable losses mount

Technology platforms evolve quickly to give financial advisers tools to help clients mitigate the tax hit as financial markets decline.

Wealth Enhancement Group buys $1.7 billion Kings Point Capital Management
RIA NEWS JUN 02, 2022
Wealth Enhancement Group buys $1.7 billion Kings Point Capital Management

The acquisition, Wealth Enhancement Group's fifth completed deal this year, boosts its total assets to $55 billion.

Women give more, differently, sparked by recent upheaval
Women give more, differently, sparked by recent upheaval

New research reveals sharp generational differences as women double down on their philanthropic priorities.

Survey finds 56% of affluent have charitable giving strategy
RIA NEWS MAY 17, 2022
Survey finds 56% of affluent have charitable giving strategy

BNY Mellon says most investors, particularly Gen X and millennials, want their adviser to understand their values.

Estate plans now adding digital content, tools, says survey
Estate plans now adding digital content, tools, says survey

Blogs, email accounts are among the items making their way into estate plans these days.

Charitable giving continues upward trajectory
RIA NEWS FEB 18, 2022
Charitable giving continues upward trajectory

Donations of noncash assets are also increasing, with Fidelity reporting that donors gave $331 million in digital assets last year, up from $28 million in 2020.

Early planning on qualified charitable distributions can mean bigger tax savings
IRA ALERT JAN 13, 2022
Early planning on qualified charitable distributions can mean bigger tax savings

When required minimum distributions begin, QCDs can reduce or eliminate the income tax on the RMD income — if the timing is right.

What’s the Best Way to Maximize the Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving?
RIA NEWS NOV 30, 2021
What’s the Best Way to Maximize the Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving?

Is it better to donate cash or stock to charity? Learn about the after-tax benefits of both methods of charitable giving—plus a third option you may not have heard of before.

Meeting the expectations of tomorrow’s savvy clients
OPINION NOV 09, 2021
Meeting the expectations of tomorrow’s savvy clients

If you're trying to grow, you need to be prepared to dramatically upgrade your service, including providing a first-rate digital experience and a greater range of services.

Cryptocurrency investors are more charitable than others, Fidelity says
ALTERNATIVES OCT 28, 2021
Cryptocurrency investors are more charitable than others, Fidelity says

The asset manager's philanthropic unit says crypto’s popularity could fuel charitable giving.

Jacob Pruitt named president of Fidelity Charitable
RIA NEWS OCT 05, 2021
Jacob Pruitt named president of Fidelity Charitable

He succeeds Pamela Norley, who is retiring after a 25-year career at Fidelity.

Helping philanthropic clients get the most out of their giving
Helping philanthropic clients get the most out of their giving

David Foster found his niche when he realized how difficult it was to make sure his donations were having the desired impact.

Looking beyond a will: Estate planning as end-of-life planning
OPINION AUG 12, 2021
Looking beyond a will: Estate planning as end-of-life planning

Estate planning is a lot bigger than just the financial aspects of the estate; it includes family, feelings, values and goals.

How firms can effectively communicate an ESG value proposition
OPINION JUL 30, 2021
How firms can effectively communicate an ESG value proposition

It's critical for wealth management firms to create authentic and compelling narratives around their sustainable investing offerings.