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
How OBBBA's SALT provisions could shape charitable giving strategies
How OBBBA's SALT provisions could shape charitable giving strategies

Wealth firm leaders weigh in on the "significant opportunity" for tax-deductible gifts before year-end, and what advisors should keep in mind during philanthropic conversations.

Wealth managers offer advice for clients on 'SALT torpedo'
Wealth managers offer advice for clients on 'SALT torpedo'

Advisors are seeing more high net worth clients impacted by the so-called 'SALT torpedo'. Here's how they are dealing with it.

Envestnet, Betterment ink new planning-focused partnerships
FINTECH SEP 10, 2025
Envestnet, Betterment ink new planning-focused partnerships

The wealth tech platforms are expanding their offerings for advisors with new philanthropic and estate planning integrations.

Investing for accountability: How to frame a values-driven conversation with clients
OPINION AUG 29, 2025
Investing for accountability: How to frame a values-driven conversation with clients

By listening for what truly matters and where clients want to make a difference, advisors can avoid politics and help build more personal strategies.

Gates and Buffett’s Giving Pledge is 15 years old, but many signatories are richer than ever
Gates and Buffett’s Giving Pledge is 15 years old, but many signatories are richer than ever

New report examines the impact that the initiative has had on philanthropy.

Trump's one big beautiful bill reshapes charitable giving for donors and advisors
Trump's one big beautiful bill reshapes charitable giving for donors and advisors

An expansion to a 2017 TCJA provision, a permanent increase to the standard deduction, and additional incentives for non-itemizers add new twists to the donate-or-wait decision.

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.

Best Independent Advisors
BEST IN WEALTH JUN 09, 2025
Best Independent Advisors

Celebrating the best independent financial advisors for the exceptional quality of service and support they provide to clients

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