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
RIA NEWS APR 14, 2011
Webcast transcript: New estate tax law may be a boon to wealthy

The webcast “Estate Planning 2011: The New Rules for Advisers” was held Jan. 18 in New York

RIA NEWS MAR 20, 2011
Charitable giving on the upswing after falling in 2009

Foundations, donor funds cite evidence that wallets are beginning to open

Death tax could still be killed
Death tax could still be killed

Business groups, Republicans vow to dismantle the provision, piece by piece

Coalition puts tax strategy patents in its cross hairs

A broad coalition of accounting, financial planning and consumer groups are hoping that the new Congress will take up a long-sought-after ban on the practice of patenting tax strategies

RIA NEWS NOV 14, 2010
IMCA targeting indie reps and advisers

The Investment Management Consultants Association is zeroing in on independent advisers as it attempts to attract new members to certain designations.

RIA NEWS OCT 28, 2010
Contributions to Schwab's donor-advised fund soaring

Through the first three quarters of 2010, donations are up 274% compared to last year

Revenue rebounds

Revenue increased for a healthy majority of financial advisers over the past 12 months, according to <i>InvestmentNews</i>' 2010 Industry Attitudes survey &#8212; a clear bounce-back from 2009, when calamitous market conditions struck panic among investors and advisers alike

RIA NEWS SEP 10, 2010
Why a tax deduction for financial planning fees makes sense

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a creation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, is designed to remedy the situation by protecting consumers. But what if something could be done to make the public less like prey and thus less susceptible to financial predators?

Despite tough economy, advisers are still giving
Despite tough economy, advisers are still giving

As soon as he heard that 13-year-old Margaret Hurt was in danger of losing the horse she had been riding since becoming sick with leukemia two years ago, Preston Byers agreed to donate $6,000 to help her buy Hoochie.

New family office opens in St. Louis

Wealthy families in St. Louis now have another choice in multifamily offices

RIA NEWS MAR 31, 2010
Advisers' biggest mistake: Not running the business like a business

Christopher Van Slyke's firm was growing at a rapid clip. His approach to managing the bustling operation, however, lagged far behind

Estate tax expiration another blow to reeling charities

Charities are getting increasingly nervous that the repeal of the estate tax may mean fewer donations this year from wealthy investors who opt instead to leave their estates to their families.

RIA NEWS FEB 28, 2010
Estate tax expiration another blow to reeling charities

Charities are getting increasingly nervous that the repeal of the estate tax may mean fewer donations this year from wealthy investors who opt instead to leave their estates to their families.