The Pentera Blog
The Chronicle of Philanthropy Seeks Expert Advice from André Donikian
For an article about how political tax debates might influence year-end giving, this month's Chronicle of Philanthropy turned to several experts-including André R. Donikian, JD, president and editor-in-chief of Pentera.
André told the Chronicle he's recommending that some affluent donors who make gifts of cash or other property every year establish a donor-advised fund in 2010. Many donors may have a big infusion of income this year from selling stock and other assets and some have taken advantage of the opportunity to convert regular IRAs to a Roth IRA while tax rates are low.
André also said that setting up a donor-advised fund will provide these donors with an immediate tax deduction to offset taxes on their increased income this year. In addition, they can use the fund to give the same amount they normally would over the next few years-either to charities they already support or to new causes.
André's comments appear in a Chronicle article titled "Year-End Giving Could Get a Lift from Political Tax Debates." The article notes that federal lawmakers are considering several tax changes, most of which would raise taxes on wealthy individuals. As a result, these tax considerations are expected to cause more and more donations this year and next. "This could be the busiest year-end in quite a while," one fundraiser said.
