Compare ways to give
There are many ways to give to charity. The chart below can help you decide which one is right for you. For more specific advice on how to meet your personal charitable giving goals, talk to your advisor.
Organizations you can support
Donor-advised funds
IRS-qualified public charities
Private foundations
Many organizations and individuals, as long as the grant is made for a charitable purpose
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
IRS-qualified public charities and, generally, private foundations
Check / Cash / Credit
Public charities
Growth potential
Donor-advised funds
Private foundations
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
Check / Cash / Credit
Donations of non-cash items
Donor-advised funds
Private foundations
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
Check / Cash / Credit
Free online setup
Donor-advised funds
Private foundations
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
Check / Cash / Credit
*Cash/debit/check is free, but credit cards and many online fundraising intermediaries charge fees.
Income tax deduction*
*Percentage of adjusted gross income (AGI)
Donor-advised funds
60% for cash
30% for appreciated assets*
*Appreciated assets held for over a year are generally deductible at Fair market Value (this applies to both publicly and non-publicly traded assets)
Private foundations
30% for cash
20% for appreciated assets*
*Appreciated, publicly traded assets held for over a year are generally deductible at fair market value, while non-publicly traded assets are generally deductible at the lesser of FMV or basis
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
Depends on the type of charity supported by the trust and the type of trust
Check / Cash / Credit
60% to qualifying charities*
*When donating to a public charity. 30% when donating to a private foundation.
Tax on investment income
Donor-advised funds
None
Private foundations
1.39% of net investment income
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
Depends on the nature of the trust
Check / Cash / Credit
N/A
Option to support charities anonymously
Donor-advised funds
Private foundations
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
Check / Cash / Credit
Ability to name successors
Donor-advised funds
Private foundations
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
Check / Cash / Credit
Consider this when
Donor-advised funds
You want a turnkey giving solution with low costs and the potential to grow tax-free over time.
Private foundations
You want to operate a charitable organization and potentially employ a staff, hire investment managers, actively manage grant-making, and sponsor charitable events.
Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
You want a trust that can generate income for, and eventually pass on a remainder interest to, heirs and charities.
Check / Cash / Credit
You want to make one-off donations and manage your own donation receipts at tax time.
Ready to get started?
Opening a Giving Account is fast and easy, and there is no minimum initial contribution.
Or call us at 800-262-6039