The Rise of Charitable Giving in 2014

Charitable giving was on the rise in 2014, reaching levels unseen since 2007 and the beginning of the Great Recession. Here are some factors that played a role in increased charitable giving and planning this past year:

• The economy recovering and wealthy individuals now giving on levels comparable to pre-recession giving.
• Increased federal income tax and capital gains tax rates in 2013.
• Low interest rates, gift tax, and estate tax.

See Robert F. Sharpe, Jr., On the Upswing, Wealth Management, Dec. 22, 2014.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.