Last week I was invited to an interesting presentation by Schwab Charitable .
I was intrigued that the event occurred during Women’s Empowerment Month, an important focus for me.
In full transparency I want my readers to know that I am a Charles Schwab client. But, I had never heard of Schwab Charitable.
Kim Laughton, president, Schwab Charitable, provided some interesting information on giving trends in the US.
Do you know where most giving comes from?
- Corporations/corporate foundations
- Trusts and estates
- Private Foundations
- Living Individuals
According to USA Giving, 2011, living individuals contribute 73% of the approximately $300 Billion in gifts a year.
The evening’s discussion focused on Donor Advised Funds. According to Forbes, Donor-advised funds–funds held within, and managed by, a public charity–are fast becoming the most popular vehicle for charitable giving in the U.S.
The National Philanthropic Trust’s 2011 report showed that, overall, donor advised funds saw an increase of more than 10% in charitable assets in 2011, and a 20% increase in contributions to donor-advised fund programs. There was a modest increase (1.3%) in the total amount of dollars granted.
Don’t forget, donor advised funds are another vehicle through which individuals give to your organization. This means that you need to continue to ‘blow your horn’ and ensure that people are aware of how you touch the lives of your clients and enrich your community.
BTW, during the evening presentation I learned of three local nonprofits that support and empower women. So, I learned a lot about an intriguing donor vehicle and some meaningful nonprofits in Atlanta.
I know this post is a departure from my usual focus on events and corporate sponsorships. But, I feel it is important to bring other donation vehicles to the forefront, especially one that has such benefits to the owners of the funds as well as the organizations they choose to support.
The information from Schwab Charitable was used with permission. Schwab CharitableTMis the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund, an independent nonprofit organization, and Schwab Charitable Trust Services, a limited liability company owned by Schwab Charitable Fund. The Fund has entered into service agreements with certain affiliates of The Charles Schwab Corporation.
