If you’re like many people who establish a donor-advised fund for philanthropic giving, you probably already have a passion for certain causes. Often, individuals and families set up donor-advised funds out of a strong desire to share their blessings and make positive change in the world. Many donors have given to charities on an individual [...]
America is experiencing a growing interest in genealogy. There are even TV shows on the subject, and one common theme is that our memory and knowledge of family is fragile. We’re lucky if it extends three generations. Do you know your parents’ cousins’ children? Why is it that family ties so easily come undone? Part [...]
A donor-advised fund can help you maximize the power of your philanthropy. Many of us procrastinate until the last minute to consider donating to charities at year-end. If this describes you, don’t feel bad, you’re in good company. But you can do something about it. A donor advised fund can help you with both short [...]
Some people already have a fairly good idea as to where they’d like to direct their philanthropic giving. But given the wide array of social, scientific research, and environmental needs, many others find it difficult to decide on a specific area of grantmaking from their donor-advised fund. Should you make grants to organizations that support researching [...]
A report published in 2012 by Pew Research Center shows that fully 50% of successful individuals worry that their children, or other heirs, do not have the proper financial skills to handle inherited wealth. If half are concerned about this, it’s likely that the other half should be. In 1877, when Cornelius Vanderbilt died, he [...]
Back in the 1960s and 1970s, as women began to venture into the workforce and become more independent, TV became rife with commercials themed around this newly empowered female persona. It didn't matter what the commercials were selling, the message was clear: women can make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. [...]
Americans are known around the world for their generosity. Giving is part of our very nature. Unique among nations, this reputation for caring predates the Declaration of Independence. Americans give generously of their treasure. In 2016, Americans gave nearly $400 billion to charity. In perspective, that is $100 billion more than Americans spent on prescription [...]
Regardless of their size, most businesses have some sort of mission statement meant to guide the focus and general intent of their daily activities. But it’s not only the typical business that benefits from the clarity of a mission statement. Many non-conventional organizations, as well as sole proprietorships, have them: poetry websites, yoga studios, and classic [...]
If your parents or grandparents have been involved in philanthropic giving for many years, they probably hope you and any siblings will continue to honor this family legacy once they’re gone. How will you do that while also adding your own new story to the legacy of the past? Start by answering why they began [...]
Are your kids suffering from too well off syndrome? If so, how do you turn things around? You, like so many successful individuals, have a nagging concern about teaching your children and grandchildren the mindset and skills to handle the challenges that come with inherited wealth. Simply growing up watching you make sound financial decisions [...]