Philanthropy with Purpose: Aligning Your Giving with Your Legacy Goals

For many women, giving is second nature—supporting a loved one, writing a check to a cause, volunteering in the community. But as your wealth grows, so does the opportunity to give with greater intention, structure, and long-term impact.

Philanthropy isn’t just about generosity—it’s about alignment. The most meaningful giving strategies are those that reflect your values, honor your life experiences, and empower future generations to carry that spirit forward.

Whether you’re already a seasoned donor or just beginning to think about charitable planning, here’s how to make giving a purposeful, lasting part of your legacy.

1. Clarify the “Why” Behind Your Giving

Before choosing where or how much to give, ask yourself: What do I want this giving to accomplish? Understanding your “why” brings focus and depth to your efforts.

Reflect on:

  • Causes that have shaped your life (education, healthcare, justice, faith)

  • Challenges you or your family have faced

  • The kind of world you hope your grandchildren inherit

  • How you want your name—or your values—remembered

Apriem Insight: When your giving is rooted in your story, it becomes more than charitable—it becomes deeply personal.

2. Choose the Right Vehicles for Giving

There’s more than one way to give. Some strategies offer immediate impact, others build a long-term legacy—and some do both. Your financial situation, tax goals, and philanthropic vision all play a role in selecting the right tools.

Popular Charitable Strategies:

  • Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Flexible, cost-effective giving vehicles that let you contribute now and grant over time

  • Charitable Trusts: Options like charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) or lead trusts (CLTs) allow you to give while managing income or estate tax exposure

  • Private Foundations: Offer more control, family involvement, and visibility—but require more administration

  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): For those 70½+, direct IRA gifts to charity can reduce taxable income

Apriem Insight: Strategic giving isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. The right structure can maximize your impact and minimize your tax bill—no matter your net worth.

3. Involve Your Family in the Giving Process

Philanthropy is a powerful way to connect generations around shared values. By inviting your children or grandchildren into your giving strategy, you pass on more than wealth—you pass on purpose.

Ideas for Multigenerational Giving:

  • Hold annual “giving meetings” to review causes, vote on donations, or share stories

  • Let younger family members research charities or lead small grant decisions

  • Share your reasons for supporting certain causes or organizations

Apriem Insight: Involving your family transforms giving from a transaction into a tradition.

4. Balance Immediate Impact with Long-Term Vision

Some causes need support now. Others benefit from endowments or planned giving that ensures your support continues after you’re gone.

Short-Term Giving:

  • Direct gifts to nonprofits or community organizations

  • Matching gifts or event sponsorships

  • In-kind donations of appreciated assets (stocks, real estate)

Long-Term Giving:

  • Naming a charity as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or retirement plan

  • Creating a fund or scholarship in your name

  • Building a legacy program with a nonprofit partner

Apriem Insight: A layered strategy can create impact today while ensuring your influence continues tomorrow.

5. Integrate Philanthropy Into Your Overall Financial Plan

Giving doesn’t happen in a vacuum. A strong philanthropic strategy is woven into your broader financial plan—aligned with your cash flow, retirement goals, estate plan, and tax considerations.

Ask Yourself (and Your Advisor):

  • What’s the most tax-efficient way for me to give?

  • Can I give more without sacrificing my lifestyle or legacy to loved ones?

  • Are there assets I’m not using that could be repurposed for impact?

Apriem Insight: Giving from abundance is powerful. Giving from strategy is transformational.

6. Don’t Wait for “Someday”

Too many people wait until the end of life to begin building their giving legacy. But the most fulfilling philanthropy often happens in real time—when you can see the results, engage with your causes, and model generosity for your family.

Why Give Now?

  • Tax benefits apply in the year you give

  • You can build relationships with organizations you care about

  • You model generosity as a lifestyle, not just a legacy

Apriem Insight: Giving isn’t the end of your story—it can be one of the most meaningful chapters you live to write.

Your Wealth Has Power. Your Values Give It Purpose.

Philanthropy isn’t about how much you give—it’s about why and how. Whether your legacy is quiet or bold, private or public, you have the power to shape the future in a way that reflects everything you hold dear.

Let’s Design a Giving Plan That Reflects Your Purpose

At Apriem Advisors, we help women align their financial strategy with meaningful giving—today and for generations to come. To start building your philanthropic legacy, email bri@apriem.com.