Planning for a Major Philanthropic Gift
Three steps to making a transformational donationBy Whittier Trust A major gift to a university, hospital, museum, or other well-known institution can be a transformative undertaking for both you and the intended recipient. Perhaps you’re considering a substantial sum for an organization you already support, or maybe you have no prior relationship at all. Either […]
Next Generation Philanthropy: How to Approach International Giving Strategically
Philanthropy is becoming an increasingly important way to engage the next generation. As families look to prepare rising generations for greater responsibility, many are expanding the conversation beyond local giving to include global impact. With that comes new considerations, from evaluating international nonprofits to navigating cross-border complexity and aligning giving with long-term intentions. In this […]
What It’s Like to Work at Whittier Trust
In this video, you’ll hear directly from our advisors, leaders, and team members across our offices, sharing what has shaped their experience and why they’ve chosen to grow their careers here. A few things stood out. The culture is collaborative and built on mutual respect. People take their work seriously and support one another. There […]
New Advances in Alzheimer’s Treatment: A Webinar for Families and Advisors
Whittier Trust partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to host a conversation on new advances in Alzheimer’s treatments, featuring Dr. Charles S. Wilcox. In this discussion, Dr. Wilcox explores how emerging therapies are designed to work, who may be a candidate for treatment, and what families should understand about potential benefits, risks, and access. For many […]
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 […]