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
RIA NEWS OCT 13, 2013
Giving back, not giving up

At the 7th annual Community Leadership Awards, a fighter pilot tells of finding real fulfillment serving others. Plus, other stories of financial advisers' stepping up to give back to their communities.

WIREHOUSES JUL 23, 2013
BofA chief Moynihan cracking the whip

CEO said to summon managers for revenue push, cross selling progress.

RIA NEWS JUL 22, 2013
Higher taxes, yes, but more donating too

Year-end tax deal leads wealthy to seek shelter through charitable giving.

Retirement income shortcuts not always best route

it is understandable when people rely on simple retirement maxims to get past their insecurities and fears. Unfortunately, those adages are often a poor fit.

RIA NEWS DEC 11, 2012
Giving to donor-advised funds explodes, Schwab reports

Tax uncertainty over estate and gift tax exemptions fueling surge

How Mitt Romney dramatically lowers his tax bill
How Mitt Romney dramatically lowers his tax bill

A lot has been written and said about what Mitt Romney pays to the IRS. Here's how the multi-millionaire keeps his effective tax rate so low.

Former NAPFA chairman Spangler gets 16 years for fraud, must pay $19.8M in restitution

Thirty-two criminal counts include money laundering, investment adviser fraud, wire fraud.

For advisers, client donations are the gift that keeps on giving
RIA NEWS JUN 19, 2012
For advisers, client donations are the gift that keeps on giving

Can bring in more assets to a firm; but survey reveals IAs mostly unaware of charitable contributions

Big donor-advised funds see big jump in contributions
RIA NEWS JUN 13, 2012
Big donor-advised funds see big jump in contributions

Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard record 77% hike in donations; 'stunning'