[Donor-advised funds] promise a number of advantages over foundations, such as lower annual costs, more privacy and no required minimum payout each year. A big difference between the two is control. Running a charitable foundation can be richly rewarding, yet exhausting. Now there is a popular alternative to a full…
About 50 years ago, only 5% of the total assets of America's largest 50 foundations were held by spend-downs. In 2010, that number had risen to 24%, according to Bridgespan Group in Boston. Today's charitable foundations seem to be shifting from maintenance for longevity to spending down and winding up.…
There are several ways to donate a life insurance policy to charity, according to the Planned Giving Design Center, Monroe, NC. There are many advantages to life insurance as it can be a cushion against high-cost issues or a source of much-needed cash flow for your family. However, you might…
… Large-scale strategic philanthropists are forcing family foundations of all sizes "to re-examine whether they're approaching their giving in a way that's likely to have the biggest impact." And, sometimes, as Pierce has found, a bigger impact can come from foundations of smaller sizes. Small family charities and foundations can…
You were so helpful to me in September, clarifying the IRA charitable contribution. Do you know if the government is instituting that same contribution this year? We are well into tax season and planning for the upcoming year. Are you keeping up with the tax laws? As many retirees and…
Want to better understand the mistakes charities make, so you can do a better job in your own philanthropic endeavors? With the yearly end-of-year run on charitable giving now behind us for 2013, and year-end stresses subsiding, this might be a good time to consider how to approach your philanthropy…
As the year comes to a close, it is time to consider how we show our generosity, so we can allocate our resources deliberately and effectively. There is still time to give those charitable gifts for 2013! And there are countless worthy causes to choose from. So the question is:…
“What we’ve found is that donors give — and give more — when confident the money will actually make a difference." The giving season is upon us as the end of 2013 is near. Charitable donations are an important way of giving back. If you are ready to…
I know that most people will simply write a check to their charity of choice but for many, there is a more tax efficient way to gift, right? With the end of 2013 fast approaching, have you considered your year-end charitable gift strategy? While it is sometimes hard to figure…
A tax deduction for charitable giving isn’t guaranteed just because you’re feeling generous. As with everything in tax law, it’s important to follow the rules. As the holiday giving season begins with the tax year ending shortly thereafter, now is a good time to plan your giving. But take note:…