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
Fastest-Growing in America
BEST IN WEALTH JUN 06, 2024
Fastest-Growing in America

Recognizing the leading finance firms across the US who are attracting advisors with their range of services and outstanding expertise.

Direct indexing as an investment strategy 
TAMPS MAY 22, 2024
Direct indexing as an investment strategy 

Direct indexing is now more feasible, thanks to zero-commission trades and online brokerages. But is this the right investment strategy?

Summit strengthens Southwest presence with $370M UBS team
RIA NEWS MAY 15, 2024
Summit strengthens Southwest presence with $370M UBS team

The RIA is bolstering its partnership model as it helps the breakaway team, led by a 25-year veteran, launch their own high-net-worth firm.

Freestone strengthens San Francisco office with veteran hire
RIA NEWS APR 29, 2024
Freestone strengthens San Francisco office with veteran hire

The advisor joins the independent in California with 30 years of industry experience, including tenures at Goldman Sachs and UBS.

LPL lands breakaway advisor from Merrill Lynch
LPL lands breakaway advisor from Merrill Lynch

The broker-dealer giant broadens its presence in Texas with the launch of an $820M multigenerational high-net-worth practice.

Regions Bank launches team dedicated to philanthropic ambitions
RIA NEWS APR 16, 2024
Regions Bank launches team dedicated to philanthropic ambitions

Bank announces seasoned leader for new wealth management team.

Osaic adds $280M with father-daughter advisor duo
Osaic adds $280M with father-daughter advisor duo

The firm is expanding its footprint in North Carolina and Maryland with a multigenerational advisory practice from Valic.

Getting a family to the table to discuss giving is tougher than it sounds
RIA NEWS MAR 19, 2024
Getting a family to the table to discuss giving is tougher than it sounds

'It's really that transparent conversation that's the key to making sure that we utilize these different strategies that are in place,' an advisor says.

An RIA custodians list beyond the Big 3 
CUSTODIAN MAR 07, 2024
An RIA custodians list beyond the Big 3 

Both veteran and newbie RIA firms have a huge number of RIA custodians to choose from. Here’s a way to narrow it down for you

ESG backlash will soon blow over, Envestnet strategist says
RIA NEWS FEB 23, 2024
ESG backlash will soon blow over, Envestnet strategist says

'While some of the criticism is healthy and understandable, some of it has been a little bit unhinged from reality,' Kiley Miller says.

Fidelity Charitable reveals record year in philanthropic giving
RIA NEWS FEB 14, 2024
Fidelity Charitable reveals record year in philanthropic giving

Annual report shows donors made $11.8 billion in grants from Fidelity's donor-advised funds last year.

Foundation Source makes acquisition to boost charitable giving solutions suite
FINTECH FEB 13, 2024
Foundation Source makes acquisition to boost charitable giving solutions suite

Technology firm says the deal will help it provide specialized support to advisors, donors, and non-profits.

Philanthropy fintech teams up with values-based wealth firm
FINTECH FEB 12, 2024
Philanthropy fintech teams up with values-based wealth firm

Partnership will allow faith-based advisors to offer clients custom DAF solutions and engage in comprehensive charitable giving.

Tifin AMP answers asset managers’ data challenges with new AI platform
FINTECH FEB 11, 2024
Tifin AMP answers asset managers’ data challenges with new AI platform

Latest fintech solution brings together AI and data fabric capabilities to mine insights from multiple information sources.

Advisors see giving surge in late 2023 extending into 2024
Advisors see giving surge in late 2023 extending into 2024

Schwab Charitable says donors granted more than $6.1 billion to charity in 2023, a year-over-year increase of 31 percent.