For many individuals, families, and businesses, charitable giving begins with a simple donation to a cause that matters. But true generosity is about more than writing checks — it’s about shaping a better world in ways that are meaningful to you.
That better world might start close to home: helping a loved one, supporting a family member’s education, helping with a down payment on their first home, or backing someone you care about as they start a business. It could also extend to your community, your place of worship, or an organization you believe in deeply.
Done with intention, charitable giving can create meaningful impact today and be carried forward for generations. And when structured thoughtfully, it also has the potential to reduce unnecessary taxes and align with your broader financial and estate planning. Not every gift comes with a deduction — especially when it’s to family or friends — but with the right strategy, your generosity can carry both personal meaning while still fitting securely into your overall plan.
From there, we help you:
- Focus your giving on causes and organizations that match your vision.
- Decide how much and when to give — balancing generosity today with your financial security tomorrow.
- Build a charitable giving strategy that grows with your wealth and evolves with your life.
We’ll walk you through questions like:
➤ How do I move from simply donating to giving with purpose?
➤ How do I know if the charities I support are good stewards?
➤ And how can my giving continue beyond my lifetime?
The Tax-Smart Side of Giving
Good intentions deserve good execution. Too often, donors give impulsively or overlook the tax tools available. That can mean missed opportunities — for both the charity and for your family of business.
With the right charitable planning, you may be able to:
➤ Maximize deductions by donating appreciated securities, property, or even collectibles.
➤ Use charitable vehicles (donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, family foundations) to give with flexibility and control.
➤ Reduce retirement tax burdens through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs.
➤ Align giving with your estate plan so your generosity carries forward after you’re gone.
Understanding Your Giving Options
➤ What tax strategies might make my giving go further?
➤ Which charitable vehicles fit my situation best?
➤ And how should assets inside those vehicles be invested?
Donor Pitfalls to Avoid
Even thoughtful donors can make mistakes:
❌ Giving on impulse instead of with focus. ❌ Supporting charities without vetting their stewardship.
❌ Failing to integrate giving into estate planning. ❌ Triggering unnecessary capital gains taxes by selling assets before donating.