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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Existing tax laws, the CARES Act, and election year uncertainty make it wise to be generous now in support of extraordinary needs
We look at the big news, announcements and underlying trends in the world of technology solutions for financial advisers and wealth management!
The firm is now providing access to investment management, insurance brokerage and other services
Investors are trying to diversify their holdings after stocks rebounded more than expected
While charitable giving will remain an ongoing need, now is also the time for more robust legacy and generational wealth transfer planning
Two dominant sponsors of donor-advised funds say the crisis illustrates the vehicle’s value
Contributions from donor-advised funds could make difference for struggling nonprofits
The coronavirus recovery bill allows for the full deduction of your donation up to your adjusted gross income
XY Planning network organized a pro bono effort to help those struggling as a result of COVID-19.
Easy to set up and accessible to a broader range of investors, donor-advised funds help clients achieve charitable goals and give advisers something to talk about
But foundation advocates say they allow more sophisticated philanthropy than a DAF
‘Gray divorce’ makes retirement-related decisions complex, TD Wealth survey finds
These philanthropists are changing their approach to charity to ensure a bigger impact
More than $37 billion flowed into donor-advised funds last year as tax reform increased interest.
Now that discount brokers have cut commissions to zero, CEO wonders if competition will heat up to reduce advisory fees.
