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

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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.

Serving the stewards is focus of firm with Christian clientele

Ronald Blue &amp; Co. LLC and its chief executive, Russ Crosson, have put their faith in charity.

Women take lead in cutting back on spending

Women are cutting back on discretionary expenses in this down economy more than men, according to a study released today.

RIA NEWS JUN 12, 2009
More charitable donors going online to give, study finds

Online charitable giving provides only a small slice of revenue for charities, but that is changing, according to a survey of 400 non-profit organizations conducted by Convio Inc.

RIA NEWS JUN 10, 2009
Charitable giving declines for first time in 22 years, survey shows

Charitable giving last year experienced its first decline since 1987, the Giving USA Foundation reported today.

RIA NEWS JUN 07, 2009
PAN-ning for philanthropists' gold

Financial advisers across the country are creating networking organizations dubbed philanthropic advisers networks, or PANs, with the mission of helping advisers collaborate locally and also interact with philanthropists.

RIA NEWS MAY 19, 2009
When it comes to giving, high-income women are in the driver’s seat

High-income women are the main drivers of philanthropy in their households, according to research released today by the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, a charitable-donor-advised-fund program established by Fidelity Investments.