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
Trump targets Harvard's tax-exempt status. What's the upshot for charitable giving?
RIA NEWS APR 21, 2025
Trump targets Harvard's tax-exempt status. What's the upshot for charitable giving?

RIA founders and C-suite leaders weigh in on the impact for philanthropic clients, and why now could mark a moment in time for investors to make an impact.

How does your schedule stack up against a typical advisor?
RIA NEWS MAR 28, 2025
How does your schedule stack up against a typical advisor?

Report reveals how advisors in RIAs, broker-dealers split their time.

CFP Board warns of tax "tipping point" as TCJA expiration puts financial plans at risk
RIA NEWS MAR 18, 2025
CFP Board warns of tax "tipping point" as TCJA expiration puts financial plans at risk

With nearly nine in 10 seeing danger to clients' retirement income and legacy plans, among others, CFP professionals are urging strategic planning pivots and tax perks for advice-seekers.

Asset consolidation: A key growth strategy for financial advisors
OPINION MAR 07, 2025
Asset consolidation: A key growth strategy for financial advisors

Rather than cold calling for new clients, advisors should explore opportunities to oversee a bigger chunk of their existing clients' wealth and income planning.

Edelman CFO, COO joins other industry veterans at Foundation Source
RIA NEWS MAR 06, 2025
Edelman CFO, COO joins other industry veterans at Foundation Source

Charitable giving platform to benefit from executive leader's wide experience.

Tifin Give expands philanthropic planning support with single-charity fund option
FINTECH FEB 19, 2025
Tifin Give expands philanthropic planning support with single-charity fund option

The platform's new feature addresses a gap in traditional DAF giving, bolstering advisors' ability to do tax-efficient philanthropic planning.

How the California wildfires have sparked charitable conversations
How the California wildfires have sparked charitable conversations

With clients willing and eager to help, advisors are offering guidance on giving strategies and how to make the most meaningful impact.

How can advisors engage the next generation about wealth management?
RIA NEWS JAN 15, 2025
How can advisors engage the next generation about wealth management?

Edward Jones advisor David Tam on how to manage some often tricky topics.

Rethinking Charitable Giving
OPINION DEC 24, 2024
Rethinking Charitable Giving

Here is how advisors can help make more money and experience greater meaning.

How advisors can help clients navigate a divorce during the holidays
How advisors can help clients navigate a divorce during the holidays

Divorce during the holidays is tough enough. Financial advisors can help their clients make it easier.

Will wealthy share their bounty?
RIA NEWS DEC 16, 2024
Will wealthy share their bounty?

After a record year for charitable giving, advisors look ahead to an uncertain new year.

Donor-advised fund: Friend or foe?
OPINION DEC 16, 2024
Donor-advised fund: Friend or foe?

Giving offers a route to tax deductions and portfolio diversification.

2025 QCD tax planning roadmap
IRA ALERT DEC 16, 2024
2025 QCD tax planning roadmap

12 QCD tax rules people should know

PE-backed RIA Merit adds $603M with Trinity Financial Partners
RIA NEWS DEC 10, 2024
PE-backed RIA Merit adds $603M with Trinity Financial Partners

The deal gives the hybrid RIA with $11.84 billion in assets its third Pennsylvania location as well as its twenty-ninth partnership since receiving a key minority investment.

How advisors can take part in Giving Tuesday
How advisors can take part in Giving Tuesday

Experts say the best way to participate is through education, appreciated stocks, and IRAs.