SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schwab Charitable™, one of the largest national donor-advised funds, reported $742 million in donations to charities in 2013, a 36% increase compared to 2012 and the largest percentage increase in more than five years. Grants to charities ranged in size from 50 dollars to 10 million dollars, and went to more than 41,000 charities spanning a wide range of causes. The largest charitable sectors supported include education, health and human services, social benefit and religion, and substantial increases were seen across all sectors.
“We are thrilled to have seen another robust giving season,” says Kim Laughton, President of Schwab Charitable. “A strong stock market provided a double boost to giving in 2013. Many of our clients had more windfalls from appreciated assets in their portfolios to share with their favorite charities. In addition, the value of the investments in their donor-advised accounts also grew, making more funds available for granting. I am consistently amazed by the generosity of our donors, and I am happy that donor-advised funds can dramatically simplify the process of giving to enable that generosity.”
The surge in grants to charity peaked during the fourth quarter giving season, with the value of grants up 53% and the number of grants up 37% over the same period last year. This in turn drove the total amount granted from Schwab Charitable accounts since the national donor-advised fund’s inception past the $4 billion mark.
More than 65% of assets contributed into Schwab Charitable accounts in 2013 were appreciated assets, another five-year high. When appreciated assets, such as publicly traded stock and mutual funds, real estate or privately held shares in a business, are transferred to a donor-advised account, donors receive an immediate tax deduction and also do not pay capital gains tax on the sale of assets. As a result, donors can have as much as 25% more to give to their favorite charities and the charities are spared the administrative burden of accepting and liquidating the assets.
Donor-advised funds allow investors to contribute cash and other assets to a donor-advised account to realize the greatest possible tax benefits and to then more strategically support charities of their choice over time. Donor-advised funds are generally suitable for individuals who regularly give to charity.
About Schwab Charitable
Created as a national donor-advised fund with a mission to increase charitable giving nationwide, Schwab Charitable has received over $9.3 billion in contributions and has facilitated over $4 billion in grants to charities on behalf of its donors since inception. Serving a wide range of philanthropic investors, account sizes range from $5,000 to more than $500 million. Schwab Charitable has been a pioneer in enabling registered investment advisors to manage the investments of donor-advised accounts and remains a leading provider of such professionally managed accounts. Schwab Charitable also offers a private foundation conversion service for private foundations considering donor-advised funds as a complementary or alternative charitable vehicle. For more information, visit schwabcharitable.org.
All figures are as of 12/31/13.
A donor's ability to claim itemized deductions may be subject to further limitations depending upon the donor's specific tax situation and donors should consult their tax advisors. Schwab Charitable does not provide specific individualized legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified legal or tax advisor where such advice is necessary or appropriate.
Contributions of real estate, private equity or other non-cash assets are accepted via a charitable intermediary, with proceeds of your donation transferred to your donor-advised account upon liquidation. This intermediary considers donations on a case-by-case basis, and assets typically must be valued at $250,000 or more. Call the Fund for more information at 800-746-6216.
Professionally-managed accounts are available only through independent investment advisors working with Schwab Advisor ServicesTM, a business segment of The Charles Schwab Corporation serving independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading and support services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.. While donors may recommend an advisor, the Fund must approve the recommendation. Advisors must meet certain eligibility requirements and adhere to Fund fee and investment guidelines. You may request a copy of the investment guidelines by calling us at (800) 746-6216.
Schwab Charitable is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund, an independent nonprofit organization. Schwab Charitable Fund has entered into service agreements with certain affiliates of The Charles Schwab Corporation.
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