America’s Philanthropic Impact: Strategic Giving Trends
A Charitable Giving Overview – 2026 Americans continue to give generously, even in a time marked by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and unpredictable markets. Philanthropy remains one of the most enduring expressions of personal values, family priorities, and long-term vision. The newest national data shows that charitable giving is not only holding strong but growing in […]
What Endowments Are and Why They Matter to Long-Term Giving
Endowments have been around for centuries, quietly powering some of the most respected institutions in the world. Universities, hospitals, museums, and charitable foundations have all relied on them to stay afloat, fund programs, and keep their doors open through good times and bad. And yet, for most donors, the word “endowment” still feels a little […]
What It Costs to Start and Run a Private Foundation
Starting a private foundation is one of the most meaningful commitments a family, individual, or business can make to charitable giving. It offers a level of control, legacy building, and philanthropic flexibility that few other structures can match. But it’s also a significant financial undertaking, and understanding the true costs involved is essential before leaping. […]
Giving Before a Sale: Navigating the Timing Rules for Gifts of Closely Held Stock
When a business owner begins contemplating the sale of a closely held company, charitable planning often enters the conversation. The idea is compelling: contribute shares before the sale, avoid capital gains on the donated portion, and use the proceeds to fund long-term philanthropy through a donor-advised fund or private foundation. It’s a strategy that has been used for decades, and when executed correctly, it can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to support charitable causes.
Converting a Private Foundation to a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): A Practical Guide
Introduction At some point in a family’s philanthropic journey, the private foundation that once felt exciting, structured, and purposeful begins to feel heavy. The board meetings get harder to schedule. The compliance work grows. The administrative costs creep upward. And often, the people behind the foundation start asking a simple but powerful question: Isn’t there […]
Year-End Strategy: Making the Most of the 2025 Philanthropic Window
As 2025 draws to a close, families considering philanthropic gifts should consider some techniques and strategies to take advantage of the current tax code before multiple changes come into effect in 2026. “This year offers a perfect window for philanthropists to act with both generosity and strategy,” says Don Evans, CEO of Crewe Foundation, a […]
How Businesses Can Leverage Charitable Giving to Enhance Corporate Social Responsibility
In today’s values-driven economy, businesses are expected to stand for more than profit. Consumers, employees, and investors alike are looking closely at how companies show up for their communities—and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming a defining part of that conversation. One of the most effective ways to deepen your CSR strategy? Charitable giving. Not […]
Overcoming Common Challenges in Managing a Private Family Foundation
Establishing a private family foundation sounds noble—and it is. A well-managed foundation can support generations of charitable giving, help your family define a legacy, and create real impact in the causes you care about. But between the good intentions and the good outcomes lies a complex web of rules, responsibilities, and realities. Many families underestimate […]
The Future of Charitable Giving: Trends Shaping Philanthropy Today
The way we give is changing—and fast. In the past, charitable giving often meant writing a check to a large institution and hoping it would be put to good use. Today, donors expect more. They want transparency, measurable outcomes, and a stronger connection to the impact their dollars make. It’s no longer just about generosity—it’s […]
What is a Program Related Investment (PRI)?
In a world where every dollar counts and donors want to see measurable change, foundations are exploring smarter, more flexible tools to fulfill their missions. One of the most powerful—but still misunderstood—tools in the philanthropic toolkit is the Program-Related Investment, or PRI. If you’re wondering whether it’s a grant, a loan, or something in between—you’re […]