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 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.

Vanguard Charitable giving research reveals the power of budgeting
RIA NEWS NOV 20, 2024
Vanguard Charitable giving research reveals the power of budgeting

Survey finds donors who build philanthropic war chests into their annual budgets have been more generous and more responsive to disaster relief efforts.

More professional designations mean more success for women advisors
OPINION NOV 19, 2024
More professional designations mean more success for women advisors

For women financial advisors, professional designations are not just credentials to add after their names, they are vital tools that can accelerate success.

As veteran philanthropist Weill retires, stats reveal giving is constrained
RIA NEWS NOV 15, 2024
As veteran philanthropist Weill retires, stats reveal giving is constrained

Contributions to DAFs and overall charitable giving are impacted by cost of living.

Advisors talk giving strategies to celebrate National Philanthropy Day
Advisors talk giving strategies to celebrate National Philanthropy Day

Wealth managers weigh in on trends in charitable giving this holiday season.

Mercer Advisors adds nearly $1.675B in major double-deal
RIA NEWS NOV 12, 2024
Mercer Advisors adds nearly $1.675B in major double-deal

The national RIA's latest acquisitions add to its capabilities in the Colorado and Minnesota wealth markets.

Why clients are sitting on a ticking tax timebomb
RIA NEWS OCT 25, 2024
Why clients are sitting on a ticking tax timebomb

Advisor is critical of industry's tendency to avoid giving tax advice.

"Action, not words": Empowering female investors with mentorship, financial education
"Action, not words": Empowering female investors with mentorship, financial education

Mercer Advisors strives to be the organization of choice for female clients and employees.

Fintech firm PhilanthPro entices advisors with GiveTeam partnership
FINTECH OCT 22, 2024
Fintech firm PhilanthPro entices advisors with GiveTeam partnership

The philanthropic planning platform is offering advisors a win-win by getting acquainted with the platform while building client relationships.

4 preparation strategies to help clients navigate the 2026 lifetime exemption sunset
OPINION OCT 18, 2024
4 preparation strategies to help clients navigate the 2026 lifetime exemption sunset

Advisors to high-net-worth and UHNW clients would do well to understand the implications and take appropriate steps to safeguard their wealth.