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
Money in donor-advised funds can make impact before distribution
RIA NEWS NOV 15, 2018
Money in donor-advised funds can make impact before distribution

New study from Cornerstone Capital Group highlights ESG investing and other options within the tax vehicle.

Fix boomers' ESG dilemma with bonds
ALTERNATIVES OCT 08, 2018
Fix boomers' ESG dilemma with bonds

Older investors have the lion's share of investible assets, but their age or need for current income could limit their interest in ESG equity investments.

Super-rich are piling up wealth in black-box charities
Super-rich are piling up wealth in black-box charities

Money flowing into donor-advised funds far outstrips grants being made from the funds.

Super-rich are piling up wealth in black-box charities
RIA NEWS OCT 03, 2018
Super-rich are piling up wealth in black-box charities

Money flowing into donor-advised funds far outstrips grants being made from the funds.

The power of philanthropy shifts to women, and advisers are taking notice
RIA NEWS JUL 21, 2018
The power of philanthropy shifts to women, and advisers are taking notice

Philanthropic women are growing in number — and stature.

Philanthropy a growing part of advisory relationship
RIA NEWS JUL 19, 2018
Philanthropy a growing part of advisory relationship

U.S. Trust study finds clients are less interested in tax benefits than advisers may think.

The next generation of advisers don't just want a job – they want inspiration

As firms try to bring in more young people, they should try to demonstrate the factors that make this career so rewarding and fulfilling

RIA NEWS APR 06, 2018
Charitable giving through donor-advised funds on rise

Fidelity, Vanguard and Schwab all seeing increases in grants through DAF accounts

Billionaires donating to a Goldman charity unmasked by IRS error

The Goldman donor-advised fund is the fastest-growing charity in the U.S.

Billionaires donating to a Goldman charity unmasked by IRS error

The Goldman donor-advised fund is the fastest-growing charity in the U.S.

RIA NEWS MAR 15, 2018
Billionaires donating to a Goldman charity unmasked by IRS error

The Goldman donor-advised fund is the fastest-growing charity in the U.S.

RIA NEWS MAR 12, 2018
Bunching expenses is one way to recover benefits lost under tax reform

Taxpayers can either accelerate or defer deductible expenses so that more of them happen in one tax year

Firm grew with LGBT clients who had nowhere local to go

Specialty in charitable giving ideal when many clients have no heirs.

Interest in donor-advised funds surges in response to tax changes

You still have time to set up accounts before year-end, but some contribution deadlines have passed.

RIA NEWS DEC 20, 2017
Interest in donor-advised funds surges in response to tax changes

Clients still have time to set up accounts before year-end, but some contribution deadlines have passed.