A donor-advised fund allows you to contribute assets now, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to your chosen charities over time — on your schedule. You can contribute cash, appreciated securities, or other assets. The fund grows tax-free, and you direct the grants as you choose.

Best for: High-income years, business sales, sudden wealth events, or anyone who wants to build a family giving tradition.

A charitable remainder trust allows you to transfer appreciated assets into a trust, receive an income stream for life, and have the remainder pass to your chosen charity at the end. You receive a partial charitable deduction upfront, avoid immediate capital gains on appreciated assets, and create a meaningful gift to the cause you love.

Best for: Retirees with appreciated assets who want income, tax benefits, and a charitable legacy simultaneously.

If you are 70½ or older with an IRA, you can donate up to $105,000 per year directly to charity from your IRA — and it counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) without being included in your taxable income. Instead of taking the RMD, paying tax on it, and then donating — you eliminate the tax entirely by giving directly.

Best for: Retirees who do not need their full RMD for living expenses and want to reduce taxable income.

One of the most overlooked giving strategies: donate appreciated stock, real estate, or other assets directly to charity — rather than selling first and donating cash. When you sell an appreciated asset, you pay capital gains tax. When you donate it directly, the charity receives the full value tax-free, and you receive a deduction for the full fair market value — without ever paying capital gains tax.

Best for: Anyone holding appreciated securities, real estate, or business interests who wants to give efficiently.

A charitable bequest is a gift to charity made through your will or trust — directing a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset to the cause you love. Bequests are fully deductible from your taxable estate, reducing estate taxes. They require no immediate outlay during your lifetime.

Best for: Anyone who wants to leave a meaningful gift to charity as part of their overall estate plan.

A private foundation or family giving fund allows you to create a structured, multi-generational philanthropic legacy — involving your children and grandchildren in decisions about where and how family wealth is used for good. Beyond significant tax advantages, family foundations create shared values, teach stewardship, and build a tradition of generosity that outlasts any single generation.

Best for: Families with significant assets who want to create a lasting philanthropic legacy and involve future generations in giving.