Earlier this year the Internal Revenue Service released in-depth information from federal estate tax returns for 2013 decedents that provides valuable clues about charitable bequest behaviors of wealthy Americans. There were 11,309 estate tax returns filed for 2013 decedents, some 6,926 men and 4,383 women (see Figure 1). The vast majority of the decedents were …Read More

  As the Dow has hit record levels in recent months, it is important to note that this surge, along with a growing optimism among donors, coincides with the all-important year-end giving season. Given the rise in stock market values, many donors may feel more capable of making charitable gifts this fall. (Note the recent …Read More

An interview with Andy Fussner, Vice President of Estate Settlement for the American Heart Association, about non-probate estate gift settlement. The planned giving community has long encouraged donors to look at their retirement plans and life insurance policies along with their wills as a source for charitable giving. One quick and easy change to a …Read More