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 418 results
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.

Wealth Enhancement Group gains first foothold in Utah
RIA NEWS JUL 12, 2024
Wealth Enhancement Group gains first foothold in Utah

The national independent wealth firm has acquired a $272M planning team in Farmington, pushing its client assets past $85.7B.

How fast-growing advisors get clients to give referrals
How fast-growing advisors get clients to give referrals

Asking clients why they're satisfied helps advisors plant stories that lead to referrals, a report from Capital Group found.

Schwab Charitable unveils new brand as it reaches quarter century milestone
RIA NEWS JUN 24, 2024
Schwab Charitable unveils new brand as it reaches quarter century milestone

The new name reflects desire to attract a new generation of donors.

AssetMark and Tifin Give forge DAF partnership
FINTECH JUN 18, 2024
AssetMark and Tifin Give forge DAF partnership

The integration partnership will help more advisors weave philanthropy into their clients’ planning with Tifin Give’s advanced technology.

Reduced fees are charitable handouts
OPINION JUN 11, 2024
Reduced fees are charitable handouts

'What surprises me is not what is negotiated for larger clients, but how little some advisors charge for smaller clients.'

What are the biggest challenges for UHNWIs and how can multi-family offices help?
RIA NEWS JUN 07, 2024
What are the biggest challenges for UHNWIs and how can multi-family offices help?

InvestmentNews speaks with Whittier Trust’s VP of business development.

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.