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 407 results
Year-end charitable-giving strategies

Use these seven tips now to help clients reduce their tax obligations before the rules change.

RIA NEWS NOV 21, 2017
Tax reform debate sparks fresh interest in donor-advised funds

Schwab reports new accounts up 50% from last year, assets up 33%.

Tax reform: Retirement industry dodges bullet as Senate and House bills advance

Concerns over strict limits on pre-tax 401(k) savings and the upending of non-qualified deferred compensation plans are receding.

RIA NEWS NOV 16, 2017
Betterment launches 'free' charitable-giving platform

Robo-software provider lets investors donate directly from their accounts, and will not charge charities with less than $1 million on the platform.

FINTECH NOV 15, 2017
Betterment launches 'free' charitable-giving platform

Robo-software provider lets investors donate directly from their accounts, and will not charge charities with less than $1 million on the platform.

RIA NEWS NOV 15, 2017
Help Clients Make Charitable Giving History

Schwab Charitable: Strong markets, possible tax reform, and disaster recovery may trigger the biggest charitable giving year in U.S. history

Tax reform: Advisers will have plenty to digest as legislation works its way through Congress

Provisions in the tax bill will affect advisers and their clients alike.

Why the House tax bill could be a 'bonanza' for advisers

Clients may need to navigate shifting tax brackets, re-characterizations of Roth IRA conversions, reconsidering the value of charitable contributions, and restrictions on the mortgage interest deduction.

FINTECH OCT 19, 2017
Top 5 ways comprehensive technology boosts client engagement

Gain a better view of your clients' finances and more communication touch points with them.

Tax reform threatens a powerful client relationship tool

Charitable deductions are an incentive to giving and a way for advisers to show their humanity.

Giving to charity, the millennial way

How advisers can guide the younger generation's unique philanthropic style

Trump tax plan draws concerns of GOP budget hawks

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said the White House is showing 'softness' when discussing how the tax cuts will be paid for, such as by repealing the state and local tax deduction.

Trump tax plan draws concerns of GOP budget hawks

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said the White House is showing 'softness' when discussing how the tax cuts will be paid for, such as by repealing the state and local tax deduction.

Trump tax plan: Congress to decide how much top earners will pay

New details of President Donald J. Trump's tax plan released Wednesday propose cutting the top individual rate to 35%, while leaving it to Congress whether to create another bracket for those with higher income.

RIA NEWS AUG 25, 2017
Killing estate tax could kill charitable giving

In 2010, when the estate tax was temporarily repealed, gross charitable bequests in IRS tax filings dropped 37 percent, and some fear it could happen again.