Staying Ahead of the Curve: Legal Developments and Philanthropic Opportunities 

As your trusted partner in charitable giving, Greater Houston Community Foundation is dedicated to staying informed about the latest legal developments and best practices in philanthropy. We understand that our client’s philanthropic intentions are diverse and often complex, and we are committed to helping them navigate the ever-changing landscape of philanthropic giving. 

Tracking Legal Developments 

We closely monitor legal developments that may impact philanthropy broadly, as well as specific giving vehicles and strategies. Recently, we have been tracking the IRS’s plan to increase audits of wealthy taxpayers, ensuring that our team is well-positioned to help our donors and their advisors understand the requirements of valuing gifts to charity. We are also preparing for the potential impact of the anticipated estate tax exemption sunset on 1/1/2026 by helping to incorporate charitable giving vehicles into estate plans. 

In addition, we are watching the IRS’s scrutiny of techniques using single premium immediate annuities inside charitable lead trusts, as well as other legal developments that may impact philanthropic giving. 

Donor Advised Funds: Regulatory Insights 

Another issue we’re watching closely is the latest news on the IRS’s proposed regulations of donor advised funds. This popular giving vehicle allows you to make a tax-deductible contribution of cash, stock, business interests, and other assets that are eligible for a charitable deduction. Then, you can recommend gifts to your favorite nonprofit organizations from your fund to meet community needs as they emerge. 

We carefully reviewed the transcript from the public hearings in early May, where community foundation leaders and experts from across the country came together to share their perspectives on the proposed regulations. It was heartening to see a unified voice from the community foundation sector, urging policymakers to prioritize the integrity of philanthropic giving while maintaining positive and productive relationships between community foundations and advisors. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, we closely monitor developments and stay informed about potential changes to the proposed regulations. While it is uncertain if or when the regulations will be finalized, we are committed to keeping you informed about any updates that may impact your philanthropic goals. Our team provides expert guidance and support throughout this process, ensuring that your charitable intentions remain at the forefront of our efforts. 

Diversified Philanthropic Portfolios 

At Greater Houston Community Foundation, we take pride in partnering with you to craft tailored philanthropic plans that incorporate a variety of giving vehicles, enabling you to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the Houston community. We believe that a single giving vehicle may not be sufficient to meet all your philanthropic goals, which is why we offer a range of options, including: 

• Donor advised funds 
• Designated funds 
• Endowment funds 
• Field-of-interest funds 
• Planned giving and legacy options 
• Scholarship funds 

As your philanthropic partner, we can help create a customized philanthropic strategy that meets your unique goals and objectives. 

Collaborative Partnerships 

At the core of what we do, Greater Houston Community Foundation is committed to building collaborative partnerships and serving as a trusted philanthropic partner to our donors. Our team will continue to stay abreast of the latest trends, best practices, and regulatory changes, ensuring that you have access to the most informed and expert guidance.  

At Greater Houston Community Foundation, we are dedicated to being a partner that not only understands your philanthropic goals but also helps you achieve them. We will continue to prioritize your needs and work to ensure that your giving makes a meaningful and lasting impact in our community, just as you intended.  

If you’re ready to start a conversation about how we can support your philanthropic goals, we invite you to reach out today. Contact Kevin Pickett to learn more about our services and how we can help you make a difference in our community. 

More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation: 

• The Importance of Charitable Giving in Financial and Estate Planning
• How to Start a Scholarship Fund
• Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 Passes: What You Need to Know 
• The Balance Between Recognition and Anonymity in Philanthropy: Which one’s for you? 
• Meaningful Connections: How Conversations About Charitable Giving Can Elevate Your Client Relationships

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