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
Northern Trust names BofA veteran to lead charitable giving solutions
RIA NEWS OCT 18, 2024
Northern Trust names BofA veteran to lead charitable giving solutions

The firm is bolstering its Foundation and Institutional Advisors practice with an experienced professional at the helm of its DAF and private foundation administration business.

Foundation Source acquires fintech powering Charityvest donor-advised funds sponsor
RIA NEWS OCT 17, 2024
Foundation Source acquires fintech powering Charityvest donor-advised funds sponsor

CEO Joseph Mrak shares what it means for his firm with InvestmentNews

Daffy unveils private stock donation platform for employees' charitable giving
FINTECH OCT 17, 2024
Daffy unveils private stock donation platform for employees' charitable giving

Groundbreaking workplace initiative looks to unlock billions of dollars' worth of philanthropic impact by easing process of donating in kind with company shares.

Janney aims for slice of estimated $52B DAF market with new charitable fund
RIA NEWS OCT 15, 2024
Janney aims for slice of estimated $52B DAF market with new charitable fund

Firm launches new fund through collaboration to enhance philanthropic offer.

High-net-worth giving splits along generational and gender lines, BofA survey finds
RIA NEWS OCT 11, 2024
High-net-worth giving splits along generational and gender lines, BofA survey finds

More than nine in 10 HNWIs prioritize charitable giving, but demographics help shape the whys and the hows.

Balancing growth with wealth preservation
Balancing growth with wealth preservation

When Social Security started, the life expectancy for someone collecting was six to eight years, but now we're pushing past 20 years, says advisor.

Vanguard Charitable cheers $20B grant milestone
RIA NEWS OCT 03, 2024
Vanguard Charitable cheers $20B grant milestone

The leading non-profit and donor-advised fund sponsor cited exponential growth in giving, particularly among long-term philanthropic investors.

TSP to IRA rollovers have benefits, advisors say
TSP to IRA rollovers have benefits, advisors say

Despite the low costs in the Thrift Savings Plan, there are often more pros than cons to doing rollovers to IRAs, financial professionals tell InvestmentNews.

Charitable giving takes priority for four-fifths of pre-retirees and retirees
Charitable giving takes priority for four-fifths of pre-retirees and retirees

Fidelity Charitable study finds an opportunity for advisors amid knowledge gap on tax-smart planning strategies.

Young Americans want to be givers, just don't call them philanthropists
RIA NEWS SEP 18, 2024
Young Americans want to be givers, just don't call them philanthropists

Many Gen Zs and Millennials are unsure about how to give tax efficiently.

LPL lands $650M private wealth team from Ameriprise
LPL lands $650M private wealth team from Ameriprise

The five-advisor group based in Santa Rosa, California operates a full-service ensemble practice with tax, retirement, estate planning, and other high-net-worth services.

Father-daughter advisor duo splits from Morgan Stanley
RIA NEWS SEP 06, 2024
Father-daughter advisor duo splits from Morgan Stanley

The Pennsylvania-based team led by a nearly 40-year veteran of the industry is launching their own independent firm in affiliation with Sanctuary Wealth.

Advisors offer suggestions for navigating the family office
Advisors offer suggestions for navigating the family office

Wealth managers weigh in on the pros and cons of dealing with family office managers instead of directly with clients.

The Advisor’s Guide to Philanthropic Giving for HNW Clients
WHITE PAPERS JUL 29, 2024
The Advisor’s Guide to Philanthropic Giving for HNW Clients

Discover actionable strategies you can apply to your practice today!

DAFgiving360 donors contribute over $6.6 billion to charities
DAFgiving360 donors contribute over $6.6 billion to charities

Schwab's charitable giving initiative marks 31% increase from 2023.