Whittier Trust Promotes Ashley Fontanetta to Director of Philanthropic Services and the Retirement of Pegine Grayson
Ashley Fontanetta has been promoted to Director of Philanthropic Services at Whittier Trust. Ashley has served as a Senior Vice President and Client Advisor, advising families on philanthropic planning and administration. In her new role, she leads the Whittier Philanthropic department and continues guiding clients in the formation and management of private foundations and donor […]
Plan to Give
Charitable giving strategies in the wake of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The One Big Beautiful Bill (“OBBB”) significantly changed the tax deductibility of charitable contributions in 2026 and onward by introducing two additional limitations for filers who itemize their deductions. The first limitation sets a 0.5% adjusted gross income (“AGI”) floor on deductible contributions. […]
Is a Donor-Advised Fund Right For You?
Be sure you understand your charitable options before committing. A $1 billion dollar donation is always a big piece of news, and when an ultra-high-net-worth individual or family makes such a gift, the world is sure to take notice. Within the last year, such donations have been made to community foundation donor-advised funds (DAF). No […]
A Junior Board Helps Continue a Family Foundation’s Legacy
Next-gen philanthropy is about more than just giving money away. Philanthropy is about helping others and offering invaluable funding to support communities and causes. With a family foundation, it’s also about preserving a legacy and bringing family members together in the name of a shared cause or purpose. The style and look of a family foundation varies, and […]
Family Philanthropy Benefits Givers in Surprising Ways — We’ve Seen It Happen
Last year’s National Nonprofit Day was a welcome reminder of the significant impact philanthropic activities can have on communities and the world. But at Whittier Trust we have also witnessed how helping families engage with philanthropy, whether by establishing a nonprofit, a family foundation or forming a philanthropic strategy, can significantly transform family dynamics and relationships, forging and strengthening bonds […]
DAFs vs. Private Foundations
Is there a “best” way to give? “When I speak with a client about charitable giving, the most common question is whether they should create a private foundation or use a donor-advised fund,” says Ashley Fontanetta, Senior Vice President, Client Advisor at Whittier Trust. “Unfortunately, there’s no quick and easy answer except this: It depends on your […]
Raising Financially Resilient Kids
The Importance of Developing Financial Literacy and Generosity in The Next Generation: Every family is unique, but virtually all parents hope their children will grow up to be confident, self-sustaining, and happy as contributing members of society. Families of significant means face unique challenges in this arena, however, because the same wealth that affords them […]
How Philanthropy Unites a Family
Giving together can create a lasting bond. “Philanthropy has the power to bring a family together,” says Pegine Grayson. “It can be life-changing, not just in its impact on a community, but also its impact on the donors.” Invitation to Share As Director of Whittier Trust’s Philanthropic Services department, Grayson and her team help high-net-worth families meet their […]
Charitable Giving is Personal & Your Plan Should Be Too
Customizing your charitable giving plan is a game changer When someone makes the decision to give back, it’s almost always motivated by a desire to make a difference and, hopefully, to make the world a better place. For those stewarding wealth through a family foundation or charitable trust, having a customized plan is vital to […]
Wealth Management: How to Discuss Wealth and Values With Your Family
Steps to jumpstart these important discussions about legacy Wealth and values play a starring role in family philanthropy, whether through a private foundation or a Donor Advised Fund. However, wealth and values conversations can be daunting to undertake for some families. “For fear of being divisive or difficult, many families avoid the conversation completely,” says Ashley […]