Strategic Charitable Planning for Donors

March 2026

Colony Family Offices, in collaboration with Fidelity Charitable, recently hosted a webinar featuring Harrison Miller, a Charitable Planning Consultant, who shared insights on effective giving strategies and tax-efficient philanthropy.

Key Takeaways:
  • Charitable giving continues to grow, with the majority of contributions coming from individuals, highlighting the importance of thoughtful planning around how and what to give.
  • Many investors hold appreciated assets, yet relatively few utilize them for charitable giving — presenting an opportunity to give more efficiently by donating assets instead of cash.
  • There are a variety of charitable vehicles available, such as donor-advised funds, private foundations, and charitable trusts, each offering different levels of flexibility, control, and tax benefits depending on your goals.
  • Strategic charitable planning can enhance tax efficiency, particularly when aligned with key financial events such as high-income years, portfolio rebalancing, or liquidity events.
  • Incorporating charitable strategies into your broader financial plan can help maximize both your philanthropic impact and overall tax efficiency over time.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to your advisor to discuss how these strategies may apply to your situation and to identify ways to give charitably, achieve your desired impact, and potentially enhance tax efficiency.