Agent View

The site as an AI agent gets it, beside the site as a person sees it. What it can read, what it has to cut away, and what it never sees.

crewefoundationservices.com90 pages read on October 23, 2026
Full screen
America’s Philanthropic Impact: Strategic Giving Trends - Crewe Foundation Services
crewefoundationservices.com/insights/americas-philanthropic-impact-strategic-giving-trends/

Skip to content

Image: Logo - Crewe Foundation Services

SolutionsPrivate FoundationsSupporting OrganizationsCharitable TrustsDonor Advised FundsDonor Advised Fund RulesForeign GrantsApproach

SolutionsPrivate FoundationsSupporting OrganizationsCharitable TrustsDonor Advised FundsDonor Advised Fund RulesForeign GrantsApproach

Image: Crewe - America’s Philanthropic Impact Strategic Giving Trendse

America’s Philanthropic Impact: Strategic Giving Trends

By Crewe Foundation Services

A Charitable Giving Overview – 2026

Americans continue to give generously, even in a time marked by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and unpredictable markets. Philanthropy remains one of the most enduring expressions of personal values, family priorities, and long-term vision. The newest national data shows that charitable giving is not only holding strong but growing in meaningful ways, offering donors and their advisors a landscape full of opportunity.

In 2025, charitable giving in the United States surpassed $617 billion, according to the Giving USA 2026 report. This marks the second consecutive year that total giving has exceeded the half-trillion mark and another recorded all-time high for charitable giving.

The rest of the page is in full screen.

Drawn from the HTML mttr fetched, not a screenshot.
page.md1,891 words, about 3,966 tokens
[Skip to content](https://crewefoundationservices.com/insights/americas-philanthropic-impact-strategic-giving-trends/#content)

[![Logo - Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-1.png)](https://crewefoundationservices.com/)

![Crewe - America’s Philanthropic Impact Strategic Giving Trendse](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Crewe-Americas-Philanthropic-Impact-Strategic-Giving-Trendse.png)

# America’s Philanthropic Impact: Strategic Giving Trends

By Crewe Foundation Services

***A Charitable Giving Overview – 2026***

Americans continue to give generously, even in a time marked by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and unpredictable markets. Philanthropy remains one of the most enduring expressions of personal values, family priorities, and long-term vision. The newest national data shows that charitable giving is not only holding strong but growing in meaningful ways, offering donors and their advisors a landscape full of opportunity.

In 2025, charitable giving in the United States surpassed $617 billion, according to the Giving USA 2026 report. This marks the second consecutive year that total giving has exceeded the half-trillion mark and another recorded all-time high for charitable giving.

For a clear snapshot of the current giving climate, here are the latest national figures for 2025:

- Total charitable giving: 617.20 billion dollars
- Giving by individuals: 394.20 billion dollars
- Giving by foundations: 117.15 billion dollars
- Giving by corporations: 43.67 billion dollars
- Giving through bequests: 62.19 billion dollars

These numbers reflect more than economic conditions. They reflect a deep desire among Americans to strengthen communities, support meaningful causes, and create lasting legacies. For donors and their advisors, this environment presents an ideal moment to explore how thoughtful planning can elevate both personal impact and financial efficiency.

## Choosing the Right Asset to Give

One of the most important decisions a donor makes is not simply where to give, but what to give. Cash gifts remain the most familiar and straightforward option. Donors may deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross income for cash gifts, with unused deductions carried forward for up to five additional years.

Increasingly, donors are discovering the advantages of giving appreciated assets such as publicly traded securities, real estate, business interests, and other non-cash holdings. These gifts often provide a deduction equal to the fair market value of the asset and allow donors to bypass capital gains tax that would otherwise be incurred if the asset were sold. This can significantly increase the value of the charitable gift while reducing the donor’s tax burden. Gifts of appreciated assets to a DAF or public charity are generally subject to a 30% AGI deduction limit, with the same five-year carryforward available. For non-cash gifts valued above $5,000, a qualified appraisal is required unless the gift consists of publicly traded securities.

For donors, this means that the assets they already own may be the most powerful tools for charitable impact. For advisors, it means that charitable planning can be seamlessly integrated into broader tax, investment, and estate strategies.

## The Benefits of Donating Closely Held Stock Before a Sale

One of the most effective and tax-efficient strategies available to donors today is the contribution of closely held business interests before a planned sale. When structured properly, a presale gift of closely held stock to a donor-advised fund or Supporting Organization can create significant charitable leverage.

By donating shares before a sale is legally binding, donors may receive an income-tax deduction based on the fair market value of the gifted interest. At the same time, they typically bypass the capital gains tax that would have been owed if the shares were sold first and the proceeds donated later. This often results in a larger charitable gift and a more favorable tax outcome for the donor.

For business owners, this strategy can be especially powerful. It allows them to convert a portion of their company’s value into long-term charitable resources while preserving liquidity from the remaining sale proceeds. For advisors, presale planning offers a way to integrate charitable intent directly into business-transition strategies, often improving both tax efficiency and estate-planning outcomes.

DAFs and Supporting Organizations are particularly well suited for these gifts. Both can receive closely held interests, hold them through the sale, and convert them into charitable capital without exposing the donor to post-sale tax complications. Supporting Organizations offer the additional benefit over private foundations of public-charity tax treatment, which can be especially advantageous for donors contributing non-cash assets. Supporting Organizations also generate fair-market-value income tax deductions vs private foundations that only generate cost basis deductions on all donations other than publicly traded stock and cash gifts.

## Private Foundations

[Private foundations](https://crewefoundationservices.com/solutions/private-foundations/) remain a cornerstone of long-term philanthropic planning. Families appreciate the flexibility, control, and structure that foundations provide. A foundation’s board, often composed of family members or trusted advisors, can oversee grantmaking, charitable programs, and long-term investment strategies. Foundation assets grow in a tax-preferred environment, while at least five percent of net assets must be distributed annually for charitable purposes.

Foundations offer unmatched control and legacy-building opportunities, but they also come with heightened IRS oversight and regulatory requirements. Most families choose to work with professional administrators to ensure compliance and preserve the foundation’s long-term viability. Advisors often find foundations to be a natural extension of a client’s estate and wealth-transfer planning.

## Donor-Advised Funds

[Donor-advised funds](https://crewefoundation.org/dafs/) (DAFs) have become the most popular charitable giving vehicle in the United States. They provide donors with an immediate tax deduction, the ability to contribute cash or appreciated assets, and the flexibility to recommend grants to qualified charities over time. DAFs are established at sponsoring public charities, which handle all accounting, compliance, and administrative responsibilities. This gives donors the feel of a private foundation without the regulatory burden.

Assets contributed to a DAF may be invested tax-free, allowing donors to grow their charitable resources over time. DAFs are also ideal for multi-generational giving, enabling families to involve children and grandchildren in philanthropic decision-making. Advisors appreciate DAFs for their simplicity, flexibility, and compatibility with broader financial planning.

## Supporting Organizations

[Supporting Organizations](https://crewefoundationservices.com/solutions/supporting-organizations/) are one of the most powerful yet underutilized charitable vehicles available today. Structured as public charities, Supporting Organizations are created to support one or more specific charitable organizations. They offer many of the benefits of private foundations, including family board involvement, long-term legacy planning, and the ability to hold appreciated assets, while providing more favorable tax treatment and fewer regulatory restrictions.

Contributions to Supporting Organizations generally receive the same tax benefits as gifts to public charities, including fair-market-value deductions for appreciated assets. Supporting Organizations can operate programs, make grants, and hold long-term investments, all while maintaining a close relationship with the charities they support. For donors who want meaningful involvement without the administrative burden of a foundation, Supporting Organizations offer an exceptional balance of flexibility, control, and tax efficiency. Advisors often find them to be an elegant solution for clients who want deeper engagement with a particular charity or mission.

## Charitable Remainder Trusts

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) remain a highly effective planning tool for donors who wish to convert appreciated assets into lifetime income while also supporting charity. A CRT provides an income stream to the donor or spouse for life or a term of years, after which the remaining assets pass to charity, a donor-advised fund, or a foundation. CRTs offer partial income-tax deductions, capital-gains bypass, and estate-tax benefits, making them especially attractive during business-sale events or real-estate transitions.

For donors, CRTs provide both financial security and philanthropic satisfaction. For advisors, they offer a sophisticated tool that integrates charitable intent with tax planning and retirement-income strategies.

## Charitable Lead Trusts

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) operate in reverse. They provide income to charity for a set period, after which the remaining assets transfer to heirs. CLTs can generate significant gift-tax savings and are often used in multi-generational estate planning. They allow donors to support charitable causes now while preserving family wealth for the future.

Advisors often recommend CLTs for clients who want to reduce the tax impact of transferring wealth to children or grandchildren while making a meaningful charitable contribution during their lifetime.

## Volunteerism and Non-Financial Contributions

Financial gifts are only one part of the philanthropic landscape. Millions of Americans volunteer their time and skills each year, contributing billions of hours of service with an estimated economic value exceeding $120 billion. Volunteerism not only strengthens communities, it helps donors better understand the needs of the organizations they support and often inspires more strategic financial giving.

For advisors, encouraging clients to engage directly with charitable organizations can deepen donor satisfaction and clarify long-term philanthropic goals.

Philanthropy today is shaped by several powerful trends. The Great Wealth Transfer is accelerating, prompting families to integrate charitable planning into their estate strategies. Complex asset gifts such as real estate, business interests, and cryptocurrency are becoming more common as donors seek tax-efficient ways to give. Donors are increasingly sophisticated, expecting transparency, measurable impact, and strategic guidance from the organizations they support. Regulatory scrutiny continues to rise, making professional administration more important than ever.

Charitable giving in 2026 is vibrant, resilient, and becoming increasingly strategic. Donors have more tools than ever to maximize their impact, reduce taxes, and create lasting legacies. Whether through cash gifts, appreciated assets, private foundations, Supporting Organizations, donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, or volunteerism, thoughtful planning can significantly amplify the reach and effectiveness of charitable giving.

At [Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/), we work closely with donors, families, and professional advisors to design and implement charitable strategies that are compliant, tax-efficient, deeply impactful, and meaningful. With decades of advanced gift-planning experience, we help donors create legacies that strengthen communities and transform lives for generations to come.

## Learn More from Crewe Foundation Services

![Year-End Strategy Making the Most of the 2025 Philanthropic Window](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Year-End-Strategy-Making-the-Most-of-the-2025-Philanthropic-Window.png)

## [Year-End Strategy: Making the Most of the 2025 Philanthropic Window](https://crewefoundationservices.com/insights/year-end-strategy-making-the-most-of-the-2025-philanthropic-window/)

As 2025 draws to a close, families considering philanthropic gifts should consider some techniques and strategies to take advantage of...

![Why Corporate Donor Advised Funds Are Gaining Popularity](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Why-Corporate-Donor-Advised-Funds-Are-Gaining-Popularity.png)

## [Why Corporate Donor Advised Funds Are Gaining Popularity](https://crewefoundationservices.com/insights/why-corporate-donor-advised-funds-are-gaining-popularity/)

Corporate giving has evolved significantly over the years, with businesses increasingly seeking strategic, tax-efficient, and impactful ways to donate. One...

## [What the 2026 Tax Changes Mean for Giving When You Sell Your Business](https://crewefoundationservices.com/insights/what-the-2026-tax-changes-mean-for-giving-when-you-sell-your-business/)

The rules for deducting charitable gifts changed at the start of 2026, and the headlines have mostly framed it as...

[![Logo - Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-1.png)](https://crewefoundationservices.com/)

[(385) 322-3400](tel:+13853223400) | 650 S Main St., Suite 760, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 | [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

[(385) 322-3400 650 S Main St., Suite 760 Salt Lake City, UT 84101](tel:+13853223400)[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Crewe Foundation Services (CFS) specializes in the establishment and administration of Private Foundations, Supporting Organizations, Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Trusts. From strategic design, setup and funding to ongoing administration and grant management, Crewe Foundation Services serves as your dedicated partner in philanthropy, helping you and your clients achieve meaningful and lasting impact through your charitable endeavors.

To administer its Donor Advised Funds, CFS utilizes Crewe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity that has a mission to financially sustain and empower charitable organizations and charitable efforts by enabling donors to become more efficient and impactful in their philanthropic giving.

© 2026 [Private Foundation Management](https://crewefoundationservices.com/solutions/private-foundations/) by Crewe Foundation Services | All Rights Reserved

[Privacy Policy](https://crewefoundationservices.com/privacy-policy/) | [Legal Disclaimer](https://crewefoundationservices.com/legal-disclaimer-cookie-policy/) | [XML Sitemap](https://crewefoundationservices.com/sitemap.xml) | [HTML Sitemap](https://crewefoundationservices.com/sitemap/) | Design by [Octiv Digital](https://www.octivdigital.com/)

[![Logo - Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-1.png)](https://crewefoundationservices.com/)

## Open a New DAF Account

Tell us a bit about yourself.

"*" indicates required fields

[![Logo - Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-1.png)](https://crewefoundationservices.com/)

## Thank you!

## Please download, complete, and return the following forms: [Donor Application](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CF-DAF-Setup-Form.pdf) [Program Guidelines](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CF-ProgramGuidelines2022.pdf) The above documents will also be forwarded to you by email. Please return signed forms via email to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or by fax to (801) 563-1971. You will be contacted by a Crewe Foundation Specialist when your new account has been created and is ready for funding.

No <main>: Wrap the page’s own content in <main>, so a reader knows where it starts and stops, and Clean can be measured.

The figures

90 pages, set against the 167,893 sites with figures.

Readablehigher is better
100%90 of 90 pages
All 167,893 sitesBetter than 47%

Pages whose own text is in the HTML the server sends, enough of it for their kind.

Cleanhigher is better
62%middle page
All 167,893 sitesBetter than 38%

Of the words before script, the share that are the page and not menus, footer and forms. 43 pages are not measured, with no <main> or no words.

Costshown, never scored
181,486tokens
About 2,017 a page

To read every page once. A long page that answers well is not worse for it. Tokens are estimated at about 4 characters each.

How its pages spread on Clean

Its middle, 62%

38 pages measured. Not measured: 39 with no <main> or no words.

Against its rivals

The sites nearest it by what they do, with figures. Close means similar work, not better.

No site near it by what it does has figures yet.

AI crawler access

What robots.txt says to each, as read on October 23, 2026. 8 of 8 may read the site.

Open robots.txt
Crawlerrobots.txt saysUsed forThe line that decides
GPTBotOpenAINot namedTraining modelsFalls to User-agent: *
OAI-SearchBotOpenAINot namedChatGPT searchFalls to User-agent: *
ChatGPT-UserOpenAINot namedA page a person asks aboutFalls to User-agent: *
ClaudeBotAnthropicNot namedTraining modelsFalls to User-agent: *
Claude-SearchBotAnthropicNot namedClaude’s searchFalls to User-agent: *
PerplexityBotPerplexityNot namedPerplexity searchFalls to User-agent: *
Google-ExtendedGoogleNot namedTraining GeminiFalls to User-agent: *
bingbotMicrosoftNot namedBing and CopilotFalls to User-agent: *

Every AI crawler mttr checks may read it. Not named means the rules for every crawler apply.

Every page

Worst first. Each opens in Agent View at the top.

39 pages of 77 lose something. Pick a loss to see what to do about it.Open the action plan

What an agent getshigher is betterSignalsCostnot scored
PageWordsCleanReadableMain headingTokensWhat it loses
/insights/americas-philanthropic-impact-strategic-giving-trends1,891No <main>YesYes3,966No <main>
/insights/avoid-the-charitable-deduction-haircut-how-to-maximize-gifts-before-20261,656No <main>YesYes3,270No <main>
/insights/bunching-charitable-donations-in-daf-a-tax-deduction-strategy821No <main>YesYes1,823No <main>
/insights/bunching-contributions-a-year-end-charitable-giving-strategy1,240No <main>YesYes2,347No <main>
/insights/can-a-private-foundation-give-a-grant-to-an-individual1,146No <main>YesYes2,373No <main>
/insights/converting-a-private-foundation-to-a-donor-advised-fund-daf-a-practical-guide1,192No <main>YesYes2,581No <main>
/insights/corporate-foundations-best-practices-pros-and-cons793No <main>YesYes1,858No <main>
/insights/donor-advised-fund-or-private-foundation-which-one-fits-a-business-sale1,988No <main>YesYes3,564No <main>
/insights/donor-advised-funds-vs-private-foundations1,841No <main>YesYes3,675No <main>
/insights/exploring-different-types-of-charitable-foundations1,456No <main>YesYes2,991No <main>
/insights/funding-a-charitable-gift-annuity-with-an-ira1,296No <main>YesYes2,643No <main>
/insights/giving-before-a-sale-navigating-the-timing-rules-for-gifts-of-closely-held-stock1,802No <main>YesYes3,443No <main>
/insights/how-a-charitable-trust-can-work-before-you-sell-your-business1,552No <main>YesYes2,877No <main>
/insights/how-advisors-can-take-part-in-giving-tuesday1,129No <main>YesYes2,338No <main>
/insights/how-businesses-can-leverage-charitable-giving-to-enhance-corporate-social-responsibility1,324No <main>YesYes2,936No <main>
/insights/how-much-charitable-giving-is-tax-deductible712No <main>YesYes1,503No <main>
/insights/how-private-foundation-management-services-can-help-your-giving-strategy1,184No <main>YesYes2,817No <main>
/insights/how-private-foundations-can-align-investments-with-their-charitable-missions1,295No <main>YesYes2,924No <main>
/insights/how-to-generate-income-from-charitable-giving1,151No <main>YesYes2,335No <main>
/insights/innovative-ways-philanthropists-are-using-donor-advised-funds-to-drive-change1,373No <main>YesYes3,040No <main>
/insights/mastering-expenditure-responsibility1,689No <main>YesYes3,832No <main>
/insights/maximizing-your-philanthropic-impact1,769No <main>YesYes3,336No <main>
/insights/overcoming-common-challenges-in-managing-a-private-family-foundation1,225No <main>YesYes2,810No <main>
/insights/philanthropic-planning-creating-and-structuring-charitable-giving1,585No <main>YesYes3,581No <main>
/insights/private-foundation-tax-planning-a-comprehensive-guide778No <main>YesYes1,940No <main>
The worst 25 of 77 pages.Show all 77

Show where it stands

A card, a badge and a line, each with the figures.

crewefoundationservices.com in Agent View: 100% readable
1200 by 630, for linksDownload

A badge for the site

Agent View: 100% readable
<a href="https://mttr.si/agent-view/crewefoundationservices.com"><img src="https://mttr.si/agent-view/crewefoundationservices.com/badge.svg" alt="Agent View: 100% readable, 62% clean" height="20"></a>
Drawn again after every read

The figures in one line

crewefoundationservices.com in Agent View: 100% of pages readable, better than 47% of sites; 62% clean; 181,486 tokens to read all 90 pages. mttr.si/agent-view/crewefoundationservices.com

What to do next

Fix the pages, let an agent do it, and read the site again to see the figures move.

Fix what agents miss

39pages lose something
  • Wrap 43 pages in <main>Clean measured
Open the action plan

Connect your agent

Claude Code, Codex or Cursor reads the site’s fixes over MCP, fixes a page in your code, has mttr read it again, and checks the fix landed.

https://mttr.si/mcp
Set up an agent

Claim the site

Prove it is yours with a DNS record or a file. Your agent can then reach its reads and jobs, and set each change to wait for your approval.

Claim the site

Drawn from the HTML mttr fetched on its read of October 23, 2026, not a screenshot, and only from the 90 pages read. An assistant’s own reader may differ. Tokens are estimated at about 4 characters each. A site an agent reads well is not a site an assistant cites.

Agent Viewcrewefoundationservices.com Close Esc
America’s Philanthropic Impact: Strategic Giving Trends - Crewe Foundation Services
crewefoundationservices.com/insights/americas-philanthropic-impact-strategic-giving-trends/

1 of 8 images has no words, so an agent gets nothing of it.

Skip to content

Image: Logo - Crewe Foundation Services

SolutionsPrivate FoundationsSupporting OrganizationsCharitable TrustsDonor Advised FundsDonor Advised Fund RulesForeign GrantsApproach

SolutionsPrivate FoundationsSupporting OrganizationsCharitable TrustsDonor Advised FundsDonor Advised Fund RulesForeign GrantsApproach

Image: Crewe - America’s Philanthropic Impact Strategic Giving Trendse

America’s Philanthropic Impact: Strategic Giving Trends

By Crewe Foundation Services

A Charitable Giving Overview – 2026

Americans continue to give generously, even in a time marked by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and unpredictable markets. Philanthropy remains one of the most enduring expressions of personal values, family priorities, and long-term vision. The newest national data shows that charitable giving is not only holding strong but growing in meaningful ways, offering donors and their advisors a landscape full of opportunity.

In 2025, charitable giving in the United States surpassed $617 billion, according to the Giving USA 2026 report. This marks the second consecutive year that total giving has exceeded the half-trillion mark and another recorded all-time high for charitable giving.

For a clear snapshot of the current giving climate, here are the latest national figures for 2025:

  • Total charitable giving: 617.20 billion dollars
  • Giving by individuals: 394.20 billion dollars
  • Giving by foundations: 117.15 billion dollars
  • Giving by corporations: 43.67 billion dollars
  • Giving through bequests: 62.19 billion dollars

These numbers reflect more than economic conditions. They reflect a deep desire among Americans to strengthen communities, support meaningful causes, and create lasting legacies. For donors and their advisors, this environment presents an ideal moment to explore how thoughtful planning can elevate both personal impact and financial efficiency.

Choosing the Right Asset to Give

One of the most important decisions a donor makes is not simply where to give, but what to give. Cash gifts remain the most familiar and straightforward option. Donors may deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross income for cash gifts, with unused deductions carried forward for up to five additional years.

Increasingly, donors are discovering the advantages of giving appreciated assets such as publicly traded securities, real estate, business interests, and other non-cash holdings. These gifts often provide a deduction equal to the fair market value of the asset and allow donors to bypass capital gains tax that would otherwise be incurred if the asset were sold. This can significantly increase the value of the charitable gift while reducing the donor’s tax burden. Gifts of appreciated assets to a DAF or public charity are generally subject to a 30% AGI deduction limit, with the same five-year carryforward available. For non-cash gifts valued above $5,000, a qualified appraisal is required unless the gift consists of publicly traded securities.

For donors, this means that the assets they already own may be the most powerful tools for charitable impact. For advisors, it means that charitable planning can be seamlessly integrated into broader tax, investment, and estate strategies.

The Benefits of Donating Closely Held Stock Before a Sale

One of the most effective and tax-efficient strategies available to donors today is the contribution of closely held business interests before a planned sale. When structured properly, a presale gift of closely held stock to a donor-advised fund or Supporting Organization can create significant charitable leverage.

By donating shares before a sale is legally binding, donors may receive an income-tax deduction based on the fair market value of the gifted interest. At the same time, they typically bypass the capital gains tax that would have been owed if the shares were sold first and the proceeds donated later. This often results in a larger charitable gift and a more favorable tax outcome for the donor.

For business owners, this strategy can be especially powerful. It allows them to convert a portion of their company’s value into long-term charitable resources while preserving liquidity from the remaining sale proceeds. For advisors, presale planning offers a way to integrate charitable intent directly into business-transition strategies, often improving both tax efficiency and estate-planning outcomes.

DAFs and Supporting Organizations are particularly well suited for these gifts. Both can receive closely held interests, hold them through the sale, and convert them into charitable capital without exposing the donor to post-sale tax complications. Supporting Organizations offer the additional benefit over private foundations of public-charity tax treatment, which can be especially advantageous for donors contributing non-cash assets. Supporting Organizations also generate fair-market-value income tax deductions vs private foundations that only generate cost basis deductions on all donations other than publicly traded stock and cash gifts.

Private Foundations

Private foundations remain a cornerstone of long-term philanthropic planning. Families appreciate the flexibility, control, and structure that foundations provide. A foundation’s board, often composed of family members or trusted advisors, can oversee grantmaking, charitable programs, and long-term investment strategies. Foundation assets grow in a tax-preferred environment, while at least five percent of net assets must be distributed annually for charitable purposes.

Foundations offer unmatched control and legacy-building opportunities, but they also come with heightened IRS oversight and regulatory requirements. Most families choose to work with professional administrators to ensure compliance and preserve the foundation’s long-term viability. Advisors often find foundations to be a natural extension of a client’s estate and wealth-transfer planning.

Donor-Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have become the most popular charitable giving vehicle in the United States. They provide donors with an immediate tax deduction, the ability to contribute cash or appreciated assets, and the flexibility to recommend grants to qualified charities over time. DAFs are established at sponsoring public charities, which handle all accounting, compliance, and administrative responsibilities. This gives donors the feel of a private foundation without the regulatory burden.

Assets contributed to a DAF may be invested tax-free, allowing donors to grow their charitable resources over time. DAFs are also ideal for multi-generational giving, enabling families to involve children and grandchildren in philanthropic decision-making. Advisors appreciate DAFs for their simplicity, flexibility, and compatibility with broader financial planning.

Supporting Organizations

Supporting Organizations are one of the most powerful yet underutilized charitable vehicles available today. Structured as public charities, Supporting Organizations are created to support one or more specific charitable organizations. They offer many of the benefits of private foundations, including family board involvement, long-term legacy planning, and the ability to hold appreciated assets, while providing more favorable tax treatment and fewer regulatory restrictions.

Contributions to Supporting Organizations generally receive the same tax benefits as gifts to public charities, including fair-market-value deductions for appreciated assets. Supporting Organizations can operate programs, make grants, and hold long-term investments, all while maintaining a close relationship with the charities they support. For donors who want meaningful involvement without the administrative burden of a foundation, Supporting Organizations offer an exceptional balance of flexibility, control, and tax efficiency. Advisors often find them to be an elegant solution for clients who want deeper engagement with a particular charity or mission.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) remain a highly effective planning tool for donors who wish to convert appreciated assets into lifetime income while also supporting charity. A CRT provides an income stream to the donor or spouse for life or a term of years, after which the remaining assets pass to charity, a donor-advised fund, or a foundation. CRTs offer partial income-tax deductions, capital-gains bypass, and estate-tax benefits, making them especially attractive during business-sale events or real-estate transitions.

For donors, CRTs provide both financial security and philanthropic satisfaction. For advisors, they offer a sophisticated tool that integrates charitable intent with tax planning and retirement-income strategies.

Charitable Lead Trusts

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) operate in reverse. They provide income to charity for a set period, after which the remaining assets transfer to heirs. CLTs can generate significant gift-tax savings and are often used in multi-generational estate planning. They allow donors to support charitable causes now while preserving family wealth for the future.

Advisors often recommend CLTs for clients who want to reduce the tax impact of transferring wealth to children or grandchildren while making a meaningful charitable contribution during their lifetime.

Volunteerism and Non-Financial Contributions

Financial gifts are only one part of the philanthropic landscape. Millions of Americans volunteer their time and skills each year, contributing billions of hours of service with an estimated economic value exceeding $120 billion. Volunteerism not only strengthens communities, it helps donors better understand the needs of the organizations they support and often inspires more strategic financial giving.

For advisors, encouraging clients to engage directly with charitable organizations can deepen donor satisfaction and clarify long-term philanthropic goals.

Philanthropy today is shaped by several powerful trends. The Great Wealth Transfer is accelerating, prompting families to integrate charitable planning into their estate strategies. Complex asset gifts such as real estate, business interests, and cryptocurrency are becoming more common as donors seek tax-efficient ways to give. Donors are increasingly sophisticated, expecting transparency, measurable impact, and strategic guidance from the organizations they support. Regulatory scrutiny continues to rise, making professional administration more important than ever.

Charitable giving in 2026 is vibrant, resilient, and becoming increasingly strategic. Donors have more tools than ever to maximize their impact, reduce taxes, and create lasting legacies. Whether through cash gifts, appreciated assets, private foundations, Supporting Organizations, donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, or volunteerism, thoughtful planning can significantly amplify the reach and effectiveness of charitable giving.

At Crewe Foundation Services, we work closely with donors, families, and professional advisors to design and implement charitable strategies that are compliant, tax-efficient, deeply impactful, and meaningful. With decades of advanced gift-planning experience, we help donors create legacies that strengthen communities and transform lives for generations to come.

Learn More from Crewe Foundation Services

Image: Year-End Strategy Making the Most of the 2025 Philanthropic Window

Year-End Strategy: Making the Most of the 2025 Philanthropic Window

As 2025 draws to a close, families considering philanthropic gifts should consider some techniques and strategies to take advantage of...

Image: Why Corporate Donor Advised Funds Are Gaining Popularity

Why Corporate Donor Advised Funds Are Gaining Popularity

Corporate giving has evolved significantly over the years, with businesses increasingly seeking strategic, tax-efficient, and impactful ways to donate. One...

Image with no words

What the 2026 Tax Changes Mean for Giving When You Sell Your Business

The rules for deducting charitable gifts changed at the start of 2026, and the headlines have mostly framed it as...

Image: Logo - Crewe Foundation Services

(385) 322-3400 | 650 S Main St., Suite 760, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 | [email protected]

(385) 322-3400
650 S Main St., Suite 760
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
[email protected]

Crewe Foundation Services (CFS) specializes in the establishment and administration of Private Foundations, Supporting Organizations, Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Trusts. From strategic design, setup and funding to ongoing administration and grant management, Crewe Foundation Services serves as your dedicated partner in philanthropy, helping you and your clients achieve meaningful and lasting impact through your charitable endeavors.

To administer its Donor Advised Funds, CFS utilizes Crewe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity that has a mission to financially sustain and empower charitable organizations and charitable efforts by enabling donors to become more efficient and impactful in their philanthropic giving.

© 2026 Private Foundation Management by Crewe Foundation Services | All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy | Legal Disclaimer | XML Sitemap | HTML Sitemap | Design by Octiv Digital

Image: Logo - Crewe Foundation Services

Open a New DAF Account

Tell us a bit about yourself.

"*" indicates required fields

Image: Logo - Crewe Foundation Services

Thank you!

Please download, complete, and return the following forms:

  • Donor Application
  • Program Guidelines

The above documents will also be forwarded to you by email. Please return signed forms via email to [email protected] or by fax to (801) 563-1971.

You will be contacted by a Crewe Foundation Specialist when your new account has been created and is ready for funding.

Drawn from the HTML mttr fetched, not a screenshot.
page.md1,891 words, about 3,966 tokens
[Skip to content](https://crewefoundationservices.com/insights/americas-philanthropic-impact-strategic-giving-trends/#content)

[![Logo - Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-1.png)](https://crewefoundationservices.com/)

![Crewe - America’s Philanthropic Impact Strategic Giving Trendse](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Crewe-Americas-Philanthropic-Impact-Strategic-Giving-Trendse.png)

# America’s Philanthropic Impact: Strategic Giving Trends

By Crewe Foundation Services

***A Charitable Giving Overview – 2026***

Americans continue to give generously, even in a time marked by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and unpredictable markets. Philanthropy remains one of the most enduring expressions of personal values, family priorities, and long-term vision. The newest national data shows that charitable giving is not only holding strong but growing in meaningful ways, offering donors and their advisors a landscape full of opportunity.

In 2025, charitable giving in the United States surpassed $617 billion, according to the Giving USA 2026 report. This marks the second consecutive year that total giving has exceeded the half-trillion mark and another recorded all-time high for charitable giving.

For a clear snapshot of the current giving climate, here are the latest national figures for 2025:

- Total charitable giving: 617.20 billion dollars
- Giving by individuals: 394.20 billion dollars
- Giving by foundations: 117.15 billion dollars
- Giving by corporations: 43.67 billion dollars
- Giving through bequests: 62.19 billion dollars

These numbers reflect more than economic conditions. They reflect a deep desire among Americans to strengthen communities, support meaningful causes, and create lasting legacies. For donors and their advisors, this environment presents an ideal moment to explore how thoughtful planning can elevate both personal impact and financial efficiency.

## Choosing the Right Asset to Give

One of the most important decisions a donor makes is not simply where to give, but what to give. Cash gifts remain the most familiar and straightforward option. Donors may deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross income for cash gifts, with unused deductions carried forward for up to five additional years.

Increasingly, donors are discovering the advantages of giving appreciated assets such as publicly traded securities, real estate, business interests, and other non-cash holdings. These gifts often provide a deduction equal to the fair market value of the asset and allow donors to bypass capital gains tax that would otherwise be incurred if the asset were sold. This can significantly increase the value of the charitable gift while reducing the donor’s tax burden. Gifts of appreciated assets to a DAF or public charity are generally subject to a 30% AGI deduction limit, with the same five-year carryforward available. For non-cash gifts valued above $5,000, a qualified appraisal is required unless the gift consists of publicly traded securities.

For donors, this means that the assets they already own may be the most powerful tools for charitable impact. For advisors, it means that charitable planning can be seamlessly integrated into broader tax, investment, and estate strategies.

## The Benefits of Donating Closely Held Stock Before a Sale

One of the most effective and tax-efficient strategies available to donors today is the contribution of closely held business interests before a planned sale. When structured properly, a presale gift of closely held stock to a donor-advised fund or Supporting Organization can create significant charitable leverage.

By donating shares before a sale is legally binding, donors may receive an income-tax deduction based on the fair market value of the gifted interest. At the same time, they typically bypass the capital gains tax that would have been owed if the shares were sold first and the proceeds donated later. This often results in a larger charitable gift and a more favorable tax outcome for the donor.

For business owners, this strategy can be especially powerful. It allows them to convert a portion of their company’s value into long-term charitable resources while preserving liquidity from the remaining sale proceeds. For advisors, presale planning offers a way to integrate charitable intent directly into business-transition strategies, often improving both tax efficiency and estate-planning outcomes.

DAFs and Supporting Organizations are particularly well suited for these gifts. Both can receive closely held interests, hold them through the sale, and convert them into charitable capital without exposing the donor to post-sale tax complications. Supporting Organizations offer the additional benefit over private foundations of public-charity tax treatment, which can be especially advantageous for donors contributing non-cash assets. Supporting Organizations also generate fair-market-value income tax deductions vs private foundations that only generate cost basis deductions on all donations other than publicly traded stock and cash gifts.

## Private Foundations

[Private foundations](https://crewefoundationservices.com/solutions/private-foundations/) remain a cornerstone of long-term philanthropic planning. Families appreciate the flexibility, control, and structure that foundations provide. A foundation’s board, often composed of family members or trusted advisors, can oversee grantmaking, charitable programs, and long-term investment strategies. Foundation assets grow in a tax-preferred environment, while at least five percent of net assets must be distributed annually for charitable purposes.

Foundations offer unmatched control and legacy-building opportunities, but they also come with heightened IRS oversight and regulatory requirements. Most families choose to work with professional administrators to ensure compliance and preserve the foundation’s long-term viability. Advisors often find foundations to be a natural extension of a client’s estate and wealth-transfer planning.

## Donor-Advised Funds

[Donor-advised funds](https://crewefoundation.org/dafs/) (DAFs) have become the most popular charitable giving vehicle in the United States. They provide donors with an immediate tax deduction, the ability to contribute cash or appreciated assets, and the flexibility to recommend grants to qualified charities over time. DAFs are established at sponsoring public charities, which handle all accounting, compliance, and administrative responsibilities. This gives donors the feel of a private foundation without the regulatory burden.

Assets contributed to a DAF may be invested tax-free, allowing donors to grow their charitable resources over time. DAFs are also ideal for multi-generational giving, enabling families to involve children and grandchildren in philanthropic decision-making. Advisors appreciate DAFs for their simplicity, flexibility, and compatibility with broader financial planning.

## Supporting Organizations

[Supporting Organizations](https://crewefoundationservices.com/solutions/supporting-organizations/) are one of the most powerful yet underutilized charitable vehicles available today. Structured as public charities, Supporting Organizations are created to support one or more specific charitable organizations. They offer many of the benefits of private foundations, including family board involvement, long-term legacy planning, and the ability to hold appreciated assets, while providing more favorable tax treatment and fewer regulatory restrictions.

Contributions to Supporting Organizations generally receive the same tax benefits as gifts to public charities, including fair-market-value deductions for appreciated assets. Supporting Organizations can operate programs, make grants, and hold long-term investments, all while maintaining a close relationship with the charities they support. For donors who want meaningful involvement without the administrative burden of a foundation, Supporting Organizations offer an exceptional balance of flexibility, control, and tax efficiency. Advisors often find them to be an elegant solution for clients who want deeper engagement with a particular charity or mission.

## Charitable Remainder Trusts

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) remain a highly effective planning tool for donors who wish to convert appreciated assets into lifetime income while also supporting charity. A CRT provides an income stream to the donor or spouse for life or a term of years, after which the remaining assets pass to charity, a donor-advised fund, or a foundation. CRTs offer partial income-tax deductions, capital-gains bypass, and estate-tax benefits, making them especially attractive during business-sale events or real-estate transitions.

For donors, CRTs provide both financial security and philanthropic satisfaction. For advisors, they offer a sophisticated tool that integrates charitable intent with tax planning and retirement-income strategies.

## Charitable Lead Trusts

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) operate in reverse. They provide income to charity for a set period, after which the remaining assets transfer to heirs. CLTs can generate significant gift-tax savings and are often used in multi-generational estate planning. They allow donors to support charitable causes now while preserving family wealth for the future.

Advisors often recommend CLTs for clients who want to reduce the tax impact of transferring wealth to children or grandchildren while making a meaningful charitable contribution during their lifetime.

## Volunteerism and Non-Financial Contributions

Financial gifts are only one part of the philanthropic landscape. Millions of Americans volunteer their time and skills each year, contributing billions of hours of service with an estimated economic value exceeding $120 billion. Volunteerism not only strengthens communities, it helps donors better understand the needs of the organizations they support and often inspires more strategic financial giving.

For advisors, encouraging clients to engage directly with charitable organizations can deepen donor satisfaction and clarify long-term philanthropic goals.

Philanthropy today is shaped by several powerful trends. The Great Wealth Transfer is accelerating, prompting families to integrate charitable planning into their estate strategies. Complex asset gifts such as real estate, business interests, and cryptocurrency are becoming more common as donors seek tax-efficient ways to give. Donors are increasingly sophisticated, expecting transparency, measurable impact, and strategic guidance from the organizations they support. Regulatory scrutiny continues to rise, making professional administration more important than ever.

Charitable giving in 2026 is vibrant, resilient, and becoming increasingly strategic. Donors have more tools than ever to maximize their impact, reduce taxes, and create lasting legacies. Whether through cash gifts, appreciated assets, private foundations, Supporting Organizations, donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, or volunteerism, thoughtful planning can significantly amplify the reach and effectiveness of charitable giving.

At [Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/), we work closely with donors, families, and professional advisors to design and implement charitable strategies that are compliant, tax-efficient, deeply impactful, and meaningful. With decades of advanced gift-planning experience, we help donors create legacies that strengthen communities and transform lives for generations to come.

## Learn More from Crewe Foundation Services

![Year-End Strategy Making the Most of the 2025 Philanthropic Window](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Year-End-Strategy-Making-the-Most-of-the-2025-Philanthropic-Window.png)

## [Year-End Strategy: Making the Most of the 2025 Philanthropic Window](https://crewefoundationservices.com/insights/year-end-strategy-making-the-most-of-the-2025-philanthropic-window/)

As 2025 draws to a close, families considering philanthropic gifts should consider some techniques and strategies to take advantage of...

![Why Corporate Donor Advised Funds Are Gaining Popularity](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Why-Corporate-Donor-Advised-Funds-Are-Gaining-Popularity.png)

## [Why Corporate Donor Advised Funds Are Gaining Popularity](https://crewefoundationservices.com/insights/why-corporate-donor-advised-funds-are-gaining-popularity/)

Corporate giving has evolved significantly over the years, with businesses increasingly seeking strategic, tax-efficient, and impactful ways to donate. One...

## [What the 2026 Tax Changes Mean for Giving When You Sell Your Business](https://crewefoundationservices.com/insights/what-the-2026-tax-changes-mean-for-giving-when-you-sell-your-business/)

The rules for deducting charitable gifts changed at the start of 2026, and the headlines have mostly framed it as...

[![Logo - Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-1.png)](https://crewefoundationservices.com/)

[(385) 322-3400](tel:+13853223400) | 650 S Main St., Suite 760, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 | [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

[(385) 322-3400 650 S Main St., Suite 760 Salt Lake City, UT 84101](tel:+13853223400)[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Crewe Foundation Services (CFS) specializes in the establishment and administration of Private Foundations, Supporting Organizations, Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Trusts. From strategic design, setup and funding to ongoing administration and grant management, Crewe Foundation Services serves as your dedicated partner in philanthropy, helping you and your clients achieve meaningful and lasting impact through your charitable endeavors.

To administer its Donor Advised Funds, CFS utilizes Crewe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity that has a mission to financially sustain and empower charitable organizations and charitable efforts by enabling donors to become more efficient and impactful in their philanthropic giving.

© 2026 [Private Foundation Management](https://crewefoundationservices.com/solutions/private-foundations/) by Crewe Foundation Services | All Rights Reserved

[Privacy Policy](https://crewefoundationservices.com/privacy-policy/) | [Legal Disclaimer](https://crewefoundationservices.com/legal-disclaimer-cookie-policy/) | [XML Sitemap](https://crewefoundationservices.com/sitemap.xml) | [HTML Sitemap](https://crewefoundationservices.com/sitemap/) | Design by [Octiv Digital](https://www.octivdigital.com/)

[![Logo - Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-1.png)](https://crewefoundationservices.com/)

## Open a New DAF Account

Tell us a bit about yourself.

"*" indicates required fields

[![Logo - Crewe Foundation Services](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-1.png)](https://crewefoundationservices.com/)

## Thank you!

## Please download, complete, and return the following forms: [Donor Application](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CF-DAF-Setup-Form.pdf) [Program Guidelines](https://crewefoundationservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CF-ProgramGuidelines2022.pdf) The above documents will also be forwarded to you by email. Please return signed forms via email to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or by fax to (801) 563-1971. You will be contacted by a Crewe Foundation Specialist when your new account has been created and is ready for funding.
Drawn from the HTML mttr fetched, not a screenshot. An assistant’s own reader may differ.Tokens are estimated at about 4 characters each.