Kimberly Lankford - Charitable Giving Is A Family Affair
Kiplinger's Personal Finance|December 2017

A donor-advised fund is a tax-savvy way for families to pool their charitable dollars and create the next generation of philanthropists.

Kimberly Lankford - Charitable Giving Is A Family Affair

I’D LIKE TO SET UP A DONOR-ADVISED fund so my family can contribute to charities as a group. Does one person have to control the fund, or can several family members donate to it and get a tax break for the contributions?

E.G., BALTIMORE

The fund can be controlled by one or more people. Anyone named on the account can recommend grants, and anyone can make tax-deductible donations.

Setting up a donor-advised fund is a great way to get your family involved in philanthropy, teach your kids and grandkids about giving, and build a charitable fund that can last for generations. Some parents start by controlling the fund themselves but have their children research charities and present their ideas at a family meeting. Parents may add the children to the account as they get older so they can make grants.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCEView all
EMPOWERING FAMILIES WITH FINANCIAL PLANNING
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

EMPOWERING FAMILIES WITH FINANCIAL PLANNING

Through her pro bono work, this CFP provides free help with budgeting, saving and more.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
THE ALLURE OF SHOULDER SEASON TRAVEL
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

THE ALLURE OF SHOULDER SEASON TRAVEL

SHOULDER season can be a great time for a vacation.

time-read
9 mins  |
February 2025
A TOOL 10 ADD 10 YOUR ID THEFT ARSENAL
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

A TOOL 10 ADD 10 YOUR ID THEFT ARSENAL

Credit-monitoring services can help you detect fraud quickly.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
Give the Gift of Life Insurance
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Give the Gift of Life Insurance

Show your love for your sweetheart by protecting against disaster.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
WATCH OUT FOR NUDGES THAT STEER YOU TO TRADE TOO MUCH
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

WATCH OUT FOR NUDGES THAT STEER YOU TO TRADE TOO MUCH

ANYONE who has shopped for groceries with a toddler knows to be on high alert for the impulse items the store has thoughtfully placed at a child's eye height.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
Lessons for Retirement Success
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Lessons for Retirement Success

CHRISTINE Benz is director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement (see a related podcast at Morningstar .​com).

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
GET THE RIGHT ADVICE IN RETIREMENT
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

GET THE RIGHT ADVICE IN RETIREMENT

If you've saved up a decent-size nest egg with a financial services firm, chances are good it has offered you financial advice-for a price. Is it worth it?

time-read
7 mins  |
February 2025
SHIELD YOURSELF FROM FRAUD
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

SHIELD YOURSELF FROM FRAUD

RECENTLY, one of my clients shared a harrowing experience.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
CHECK YOUR COLLEGE'S FINANCIAL HEALTH
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

CHECK YOUR COLLEGE'S FINANCIAL HEALTH

Declining enrollment has forced a growing number of small colleges to shut down.

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025
ESTATE PLANNING - Protect Your Wishes and Your Legacy
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

ESTATE PLANNING - Protect Your Wishes and Your Legacy

NO one likes to imagine getting seriously ill, injured or worse, but these occurrences are a reality of life.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February 2025