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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Ex-CBIZ CIO Anna Rathbun bets on alts in solo RIA launch with music twist
Ex-CBIZ CIO Anna Rathbun bets on alts in solo RIA launch with music twist

Former CBIZ chief investment officer Anna Rathbun wants her new Cleveland-based Grenadilla Advisory to treat clients with the same "compassion and connectivity" she shares with audience members as a singer of classical music.

How $3 billion RIA Bogart Wealth serves oil industry clients during Middle East conflict
How $3 billion RIA Bogart Wealth serves oil industry clients during Middle East conflict

"For a lot of our clients, if your income is affected potentially by the rises and falls with oil prices, we want to consider diversifying your portfolio away from your career risk," Bogart Wealth advisor Patrick Marcinko tells IN.

UBS advisor drain continues as RBC lures $1.1B team in New York
WIREHOUSES JUN 27, 2025
UBS advisor drain continues as RBC lures $1.1B team in New York

News of the nine-person team's defection comes as the Swiss-based wirehouse welcomes a 25-year veteran from Wilmington Trust.

RIA wrap: Dakota Wealth elevates senior leaders, CapWealth taps tax planning ace
RIA NEWS JUN 20, 2025
RIA wrap: Dakota Wealth elevates senior leaders, CapWealth taps tax planning ace

Also, another independent RIA has opened its doors under the leadership of a former chairman, president, and CEO of a storied institution in Oklahoma.

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RIA NEWS JUN 06, 2025
RIA wrap: Northern Trust taps State Street Bank alum for OCIO strategy, Dynasty partner firm adds new managing director

Also, New York-based Withum Wealth Management has named a 45-year veteran professional to fill a C-suite role.

Advisors pivot as wealthy families rush to beat tax reform
Advisors pivot as wealthy families rush to beat tax reform

Gautam Muthusamy helps families exhaust estate tax credits now before the $14M exemption vanishes.

For love or money: how one planner advises romance author clients from the heart
For love or money: how one planner advises romance author clients from the heart

Larry Sprung from Mitlin Financial explains his connection with the literary niche, why romance novelists don't fit into one single investing mold, and how writing his own book has helped fuel growth at his practice.

The business case for giving back: How community engagement strengthens firms and their people
OPINION MAY 16, 2025
The business case for giving back: How community engagement strengthens firms and their people

From creating goodwill to opening doors to partnership and building pride among employees, wealth firms can spark a virtuous cycle as they work to make a difference.

Advisors chime in on the evolution in charitable giving
Advisors chime in on the evolution in charitable giving

The best methods for giving to charity change over time with fluctuations in the market, the economy, and tax rules.

Advisors work to make sure oversized inheritances won't ruin their clients' kids
Advisors work to make sure oversized inheritances won't ruin their clients' kids

Share the inheritance, don't spoil the child! Wealth managers explain how to prevent their clients from ruining their kids values and motivation.

In periods of volatility, don’t lose sight of clients’ long-term goals
OPINION MAY 02, 2025
In periods of volatility, don’t lose sight of clients’ long-term goals

As you work with clients to navigate the current markets, stay grounded in their values and priorities.

Will the small RIA go the way of the dinosaur?
OPINION APR 30, 2025
Will the small RIA go the way of the dinosaur?

"A year ago, if you asked me if there was a future for the small, independent wealth business, I would have replied with an emphatic, 'Yes.' Today, I’m not so certain."

Net Positive Consortium gains momentum with new members, first strategic partner
RIA NEWS APR 25, 2025
Net Positive Consortium gains momentum with new members, first strategic partner

Five new RIAs are joining the industry coalition promoting firm-level impact across workforce, client, community and environmental goals.

Raymond James scores a recruitment double with two Edward Jones advisors
Raymond James scores a recruitment double with two Edward Jones advisors

The latest independent advisor additions in Alaska and Washington oversaw a collective $550 million in client assets at their former firm.