WHAT WE DO

Charitable Giving

If giving is part of who you are, there's a good chance you can give more, give smarter, and get a better tax outcome at the same time.

Most donors write checks from their bank account. That works, but it may not be the most efficient path. Tools like donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, appreciated stock gifts, and charitable trusts can all help you give more and may also improve your tax outcome.

Chris Hilyer holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, which covers the technical, legal, and strategic dimensions of philanthropic planning. That training shapes how we approach charitable giving for clients here in Phoenix. And because the rules around charitable deductions changed in 2026, it’s worth understanding how these tools fit into your overall plan.

How We Can Help

Donor-Advised Funds

A donor-advised fund (DAF) lets you make a charitable contribution, take the deduction in the year you give, and then recommend grants to charities over time. Because the 2026 tax rules set a new floor for deductions, a DAF is especially useful if you want to bunch several years of giving into one year to clear that threshold. It's also a flexible way to involve family members in the giving process.

Qualified Charitable Distributions

For clients age 70½ and older, a QCD may be one of the most efficient ways to give. It allows you to transfer funds directly from your IRA to a qualified charity, up to $111,000 per year in 2026, indexed annually for inflation.

The distribution also counts toward your required minimum distribution but isn't included in taxable income. Because it never hits your return as income, the 0.5% AGI floor doesn't apply to it.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can provide income to you or your family for a set term or for life, with the remaining assets going to charity when the term ends. A charitable lead trust, on the other hand, works in the opposite direction. The charity receives income first, and the remainder passes to heirs. Because these structures overlap with estate planning, we coordinate with your estate attorney and tax professional. The goal is to make sure the giving strategy and the estate strategy work together.

Involving Family in Giving

For clients who want to make philanthropy a family value, giving can be more than a check. For example, donor-advised funds, family foundations, and gifts of appreciated stock can all involve the next generation in the giving process. Donating stock held longer than a year can also be more tax-efficient than giving cash, since you may avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation. It's a way to pass on values alongside assets.

Related Services

Estate Planning

Tax Strategy

Retirement Planning

The right planning makes a real difference.

Your giving deserves the same care and strategy as the rest of your financial plan.

When you’re ready to bring it all together, we’re here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CAP® designation?

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) is a professional designation focused on the technical, legal, and strategic side of charitable giving. Specifically, the training covers donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, qualified charitable distributions, and how to integrate giving into a broader estate and financial plan.

Chris Hilyer holds this designation at Heritage Wealth Solutions, and it shapes how we approach giving strategy for every client.

What is the charitable deduction floor under the OBBBA?

For individuals, the floor is 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For corporations, it’s 1% of taxable income. Only charitable contributions above the floor are deductible, so smaller gifts may no longer qualify on their own. This applies to contributions made in 2026 and beyond.

What is the QCD limit for 2026?

The qualified charitable distribution limit for 2026 is $111,000 per person. For married couples filing jointly where each spouse has an IRA, the combined limit is $222,000. The amount is also indexed annually for inflation.

Can I donate stock instead of cash to charity?

Yes. Donating appreciated stock held longer than a year may be more tax-efficient than giving cash. You may avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and, as a result, receive a deduction for the fair market value, subject to applicable limits. However, every situation is different, so consult your tax advisor.

Should I use a donor-advised fund or give directly to charity?

It depends on your giving level and income. If your annual donations fall below the 0.5% AGI floor, a donor-advised fund lets you bunch multiple years of gifts into one contribution and then recommend grants over time. On the other hand, if your annual giving already exceeds the floor, direct giving still works well.