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
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Private foundations
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Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
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Check / Cash / Credit
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Donations of non-cash items

Donor-advised funds
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Private foundations
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Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
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Check / Cash / Credit
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Free online setup

Donor-advised funds
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Private foundations
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Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
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Check / Cash / Credit
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*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
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Private foundations
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Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
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Check / Cash / Credit
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Ability to name successors

Donor-advised funds
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Private foundations
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Charitable Lead & Remainder trusts
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Check / Cash / Credit
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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.