From Tax Savings to Lasting Impact: Making Giving a Family Affair
We have all heard, “lessons are better caught than taught.” As a family, we have had fun including our kids in our goal to be a generous family. From hosting people in our home to serving together in the community to finding ways to invest our money in people and causes we care deeply about; we have tried to do what we can to include our kids in the process. While we are trying our best as parents to instruct our kids, the lessons that stick are often when they see something good or bad, in their parents. Maybe you can relate!
Many of our clients want to do more than invest their money in people and causes, they want to pass on the joy of giving to the next generation, too! One of the fastest growing way to give is through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). It’s easy to set up, offers significant tax advantages, and—best of all—can involve your entire family in making a thoughtful, lasting impact.
What's a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
A DAF is like a charitable investment account. You contribute cash, stocks, or other assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to nonprofits over time. The funds can grow tax-free while you plan your giving.
With today’s high standard deduction ($14,600 for individuals, $29,200 for married couples in 2025), many donors no longer itemize deductions annually. That’s where “bunching” comes in: You can contribute several years’ worth of charitable giving to your DAF in a single year, itemize the deduction for that year, and then give gradually from that account over time, taking the standard deduction for years you won’t exceed the deduction limits by itemizing. This strategy provides a larger tax break without changing your actual giving goals.
How to Involve Your Family
1. Start the Conversation
Talk about why you give. Share a story or show your kids a video of a need and ask what causes they care about too.
2. Let Them Recommend Grants:
Each family member can help direct a portion of the fund—making giving a shared and meaningful activity.
3. Pass the Torch
You can name your children or grandchildren as future advisors to your DAF, continuing your legacy of generosity.
A Legacy That Lives On
A DAF is more than a financial tool—it’s a bridge between wise planning and heartfelt impact. It allows you to give smarter, involve your family, and support great causes a sustainable, tax-wise way. Want to learn more? Let’s chat.
Jeremy Heavey| AIF ®, NSSA®
Financial Advisor
Jeremy is passionate about partnering with individuals and families to identify what is important in their lives and creating a comprehensive financial strategy to help them reach their life goals. This holistic approach allows Jeremy and the wealth management team to ensure the specific needs of the client are front and center as they make investment recommendations and collaboratively design custom-tailored financial plans.
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