Charitable Giving & Legacy Planning in Arizona

Give with Purpose. Plan with Impact.

Whether it’s your church in Gilbert, a scholarship at ASU, or a global cause close to your heart—charitable giving can be a powerful part of your estate plan. We help individuals and families across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and beyond integrate philanthropic goals into their legacy strategy in a way that benefits both the cause and the people they love.



Smart charitable estate planning not only fulfills your mission—it can reduce taxes, provide lifetime income, and help create a multigenerational culture of giving. Whether through a simple bequest or a more advanced charitable trust, we’ll tailor a plan that reflects your values.

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More Than Generosity—Charity Can Be Strategic

Charitable giving isn’t just about heart—it’s about planning smart. A well-crafted plan ensures your donations are tax-efficient, aligned with your estate strategy, and honored for generations. We’ll help you explore the full range of charitable planning tools—from donor-advised funds to charitable remainder trusts—so you can give meaningfully and wisely.

Bequests in Wills & Trusts

A simple way to give: designate a dollar amount or percentage of your estate to a charity in your will or living trust. We’ll help you document it clearly and ensure your executor or trustee has direction.

Charitable Trust Options

  • Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT): Receive income for life or a term; remainder goes to charity. Offers tax deduction and estate tax reduction.
  • Charitable Lead Trust (CLT): Charity receives income first; heirs receive remaining assets. Useful for reducing gift or estate taxes.
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Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

DAFs offer a simple, flexible way to give—make a contribution now, take an immediate deduction, and recommend grants to charities over time. You can even name your children as advisors, creating a legacy of philanthropy.

Private Family Foundations

For those with larger charitable goals, a private foundation offers full control and the ability to support causes in your family’s name. We can help establish and manage the structure to meet your vision.

Charitable & Legacy Giving

Questions About Charitable Planning? Let’s Break It Down.

  • Do I need to be wealthy to use a charitable trust?

    Not necessarily. If you have appreciated assets like rental property or stock, a charitable remainder trust can help avoid capital gains, provide income, and reduce estate taxes—all while benefiting charity.

  • What’s the difference between donating directly and using a donor-advised fund?

    A donor-advised fund allows you to contribute in one tax year, then distribute funds to charities later. It offers flexibility and ongoing family involvement in giving decisions.

  • Can I control how my charitable gift is used?

    Yes. You can earmark funds for specific programs, scholarships, or initiatives. We’ll coordinate with the charity to ensure your wishes can be fulfilled now and in the future.

  • What happens if a charity I name no longer exists?

    We include fallback provisions to redirect your gift to a similar organization or purpose, ensuring your intentions are still honored.

  • Can charitable giving reduce estate taxes?

    Every dollar left to charity is excluded from your estate. Even if you're under the federal exemption, planned giving can create meaningful income tax deductions during life or reduce taxes on appreciated assets.

  • How do I involve my family in charitable giving?

    Consider naming children as advisors to a donor-advised fund, trustees of a charitable trust, or simply including them in discussions about your giving goals. Many families use charitable planning to pass on their values as well as their wealth.