25th September 2025
Charitable giving can deliver real tax opportunities for clients but timing matters. Donor Advised Funds support this strategic approach.
As the US tax year-ends and UK filing deadline approach, many donors – and their advisors – feel the familiar pressure of last-minute charitable giving. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Strategic philanthropy has an important place in this process which benefits the clients, advisors and charities.
Starting conversations now about philanthropic giving can help advisors to better understand client values and motivations for giving and explore the best structuring options. For clients it’s a chance to think more deeply about how and where they want to give.
Reframing the Conversation – From reaction to intention
Too often, giving decisions aren’t prioritised as part of the tax planning process. Or made quickly to meet tax return deadlines. But when approached strategically, year-end giving can:
- Allow clients to develop clarity around their values and legacy
- Open up discussions about causes they care about
- Create tax advantages that support both giving and broader financial planning goals
Use Tax-Effective Structures that add flexibility – Donor Advised Funds and Dual Qualified Giving
Many clients don’t know exactly how they want to give, but they know that they want to give. A DAF allows them to:
- Secure tax relief in the current year
- Take time to decide which charities to support
- Consolidate their giving and invest their charitable funds – allowing them to give even more
For UK tax payers, the 31st January is the final deadline for benefiting from charitable gifts against last year’s income (provided self assessment forms are yet to be filed).
For UK-US taxpayers, our new Dual Qualified Service adds another layer of efficiency. With the US December deadline looming, it allows clients to make a single donation that qualifies for relief in both jurisdictions – ideal for international families, relocating executives or US nationals based in the UK.
Global Giving and Strategic Timing – Giving across borders with confidence
More philanthropists today support global causes – from conservation in Africa to education in India. But international giving comes with complexity. Donors may worry about speed, security, or whether they’ll receive tax relief.
Prism removes those barriers. With our extensive expertise in due diligence and compliance, we offer wealth managers and their clients a secure, tax-efficient way to make international donations.
Importantly, donors can give before tax deadlines while deciding where to grant later or recommend international grants at any time from their Donor Advised Fund.
Timing matters. Whether your client wants to make a one-off donation, transfer appreciated assets or lay the groundwork for a multi-year giving plan, Prism provides the infrastructure to do so efficiently, and in line with their overall financial strategy.
Your Role as a Trusted Advisor – Going beyond tax to values
Charitable giving isn’t just a financial transaction – it’s often a deeply personal. Wealth managers, tax advisors and lawyers are uniquely placed to guide clients through the giving vehicles available to them, offering solutions that are not only tax-savvy but also align with their client’s longer term goals.
We’re here to support you in that role.
Let’s make giving simple, efficient and impactful
If you have clients considering donations before the US tax year-end or the filing deadline in the UK – we’d be happy to talk through options.
