In the next 30 years, $40 trillion will transfer from baby boomers to subsequent generations.  We can help to make that transfer as smooth and tax-efficient as possible.  With a properly structured charitable giving plan, you can give to the causes and organizations that matter most, without costing you anything.   Whether it’s constructing a trust, taking a deep-dive into an organization, or helping to educate your children on the process, we will make sure that your contributions have the most impact possible. 

Family Gift Trusts or Irrevocable Gift Trusts

These types of trusts are a separate legal entity that are designed to receive and hold gifts of property.  The beneficiaries are usually family members of the donor, but can be other persons if desired.  The terms of the trust are set forth in a document that describes how the trust property is to be invested and distributed.  The gifts are primarily made to achieve the estate planning goals of the donor.

The primary reason for making gifts is to reduce the taxable estate of the Donor. The gift and any future appreciation in the value of the gift are removed from the donor’s taxable estate.  The secondary reasons for making these gifts include satisfying the donor’s desire to: see children and grandchildren benefit during the donor’s lifetime; see how the beneficiaries handle an “inheritance”; provide funds for an education for grandchildren in situations where the student’s parents might not be able to fund that education.

Donor-Advised Funds

A donor-advised fund is like a charitable investment account, for the only purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. When you contribute cash, securities or other assets to a donor-advised fund at a public charity you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. These funds can be invested for tax-free growth and you can recommend grants to virtually any IRS-qualified public charity.