Trends in Charitable Giving
Whether the economy is expanding or contracting, Americans tend to be consistent with charitable donations.
In 2012, as the U.S. economy continued to stabilize, Americans gave an estimated $316.23 billion to charity. That’s almost $18 billion more than the previous year.1
Tip: Importance of Itemizing. Charitable contributions are deductible only if you itemize deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A. Those who take the standard deduction cannot deduct their contributions.
Internal Revenue Service, 2013
Americans give to charity for two main reasons: To support a cause or organization they care about, or to leave a legacy through their support.
When giving to charitable organizations, some people elect to support through cash donations. Others, however, understand that supporting an organization may generate tax benefits. They may opt to follow techniques that can maximize both the gift and the potential tax benefit. Here’s a quick review of a few charitable choices:
Direct gifts are just that: contributions made directly to charitable organizations. Direct gifts may be deductible from income taxes depending on your individual situation.
Charitable gift annuities are not related to annuities offered by insurance companies. Under this arrangement, the donor gives money, securities, or real estate and in return, the charitable organization agrees to pay the donor a fixed income. Upon the death of the donor, the assets pass to the charitable organization. Charitable gift annuities enable donors to receive consistent income and potentially manage taxes.
Pooled-income funds pool contributions from various donors in a fund, which is invested by the charitable organization. Income from the fund is distributed to the donors according to their share of the fund. Pooled-income funds enable donors to receive income, potentially manage taxes, and make a future gift to charity.
Fast Fact: Contributions by individuals, couples, and families accounted for 86% of the $316.23 billion donated to charitable organizations in 2012.
Giving USA Foundation, 2013
Gifts in trust enable donors to contribute to a charity and leave assets to beneficiaries. Generally, these irrevocable trusts take one of two forms. With a charitable remainder trust, the donor can receive lifetime income from the assets in the trust, which then pass to the charity when the donor dies; in the case of a charitable lead trust, the charity receives the income from the assets in the trust, which then pass to the donor’s beneficiaries when the donor dies.
Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.
Donor-advised funds are funds administered by charity to which a donor can make irrevocable contributions. This gift may have tax considerations, which is another
benefit. The donor also can recommend that the fund make distributions to qualified charitable organizations.
Some people are comfortable with their current gifting strategies. Others, however, may want a more advanced strategy that can maximize both your gift and generate potential tax benefits. A financial professional can help you assess which approach may work best for you.
Remember, the information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice. And it may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
Giving and Net Worth
Charitable giving appears to trail household net worth by about one year. When household net worth dipped in 2008, charitable giving dipped in 2009.
Chart Source: Giving USA Foundation, 2013; Federal Reserve, 2013
Where the Money Goes
The biggest percentage of charitable contributions — 32% — went to churches and religious organizations. A variety of different types of groups were on the receiving end of charitable gifts.
Chart Source: Giving USA Foundation, 2013
- Giving USA Foundation, 2013
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2013 FMG Suite.
Post by Phil Ratcliff
Phil Ratcliff, President of rebel Financial, is a senior financial advisor that holds an AIF®, CFP®, ChFC®, and CLU® certifications. He started his career at American Express Financial Advisors in 2003, then moved to AXA Advisors for 7 years before founding rebel Financial LLC in 2013.
