What’s the secret to making your charitable giving go further? If you’ve ever wondered how seasoned philanthropists navigate changing tax laws — working with their families and advisors to maximize their impact — you’re not alone.

This fall, Capital Group Private Client Services hosted a pair of Nonprofit Symposia in Los Angeles and San Francisco, bringing together nonprofit leaders, donors and their Private Wealth Advisors to explore the evolving landscape of charitable giving. Here are seven actionable strategies for both donors and nonprofit organizations to consider.

Accelerate charitable giving by year-end.

Significant changes to federal tax law take effect in 2026, including new limits on charitable deductions. As a result, donors in higher tax brackets should consider completing philanthropic gifts by the end of 2025.

Under the upcoming rules, itemized deductions for charitable contributions will be subject to a new “floor,” as well as capped at a lower rate, making it advantageous for some taxpayers to complete intended charitable gifts in 2025, while still under the old rules. From 2026 forward, donors in high income tax brackets may find advantage in “bunching” multiple years of intended gifts in some years and giving less in others. For more details, read our story on year-end planning.

For donors with binding pledge agreements, accelerating payment of the pledge in 2025 may be especially prudent, as future caps could dampen the tax benefit.

Donor-advised funds can offer flexibility and simplicity.

For those pursuing philanthropy, donor-advised funds (DAFs) have become a preferred vehicle. DAFs offer flexibility, ease of administration and the ability for donors to make grants without the burden of running a private family foundation. Compared to family foundations, DAFs may provide higher charitable deductions for certain types of gifted assets. Additionally, donors who hold DAFs at community foundations gain access to strategy and advisory services from foundation staff. You may want to schedule a meeting with your Private Wealth Advisor to discuss this structure in more detail.

Multigenerational engagement is key to sustained philanthropy.

Sustaining your family’s philanthropic legacy requires intentional engagement across generations. Panelists emphasized the importance of involving younger family members early, whether through informal committees, by allowing them to give small gifts or by encouraging their participation in family councils. One family shared how grandchildren were encouraged to make grants and join philanthropy discussions from a young age, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

While differences may arise, creating opportunities for all generations to have a seat at the table can help set the stage for an enduring family legacy. Importantly, involvement doesn’t mean giving free rein; thoughtful giving guidelines can help younger members commit to shared values.

Beyond the data, personal relationships can drive charitable giving.

Though objective data can inform giving decisions, panelists agreed that philanthropy is ultimately about relationships and personal involvement. Long-term investments in organizations are guided by mission alignment and trust, rather than metrics alone.

Many families prioritize active participation with the organizations they support, viewing philanthropy as a journey rather than a transaction. This approach allows donors to adapt as needs and opportunities evolve.

Engaging outside consultants can help maximize impact.

As philanthropic ambitions grow, so does the complexity of navigating the landscape of social impact. Hiring outside consultants — philanthropy professionals who serve as strategists and thought partners — can help donors clarify their goals and design programs. Consultants can offer guidance on family giving governance options, evaluating nonprofit partners and developing subject-specific initiatives that align with donors’ values.

Engaging an outside consultant can also help families navigate complex decisions. At the Los Angeles symposium, one family described how working with a consultant helped them refine their approach and deploy resources more effectively. For clients seeking to launch new initiatives or expand their giving, a third-party consultant may be worth exploring. Your Private Wealth Advisor can make an introduction.

Use different structures to empower values-based giving.

By virtue of their varied ages and personal preferences, it’s natural for family members to champion different causes. Panelists discussed how to use different vehicles — such as DAFs, family foundations and joint grant-making committees — to support causes that reflect individual passions and collective priorities.

Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) have fresh appeal going into 2026.

For clients in retirement, making QCDs directly from traditional or inherited IRAs can be a tax-efficient way to give. QCDs allow individuals aged 70½ or older to transfer funds directly from traditional or inherited IRAs to qualified public charities. QCDs count towards satisfying required minimum distributions (RMDs) and offer tax benefits, with annual limits adjusted for inflation. As tax laws change, QCDs have renewed appeal going into 2026, since they avoid the income-based charitable deduction restrictions that begin next year.

Your Private Wealth Advisor can provide greater detail on strategies to help donors maximize their long-term impact and nonprofit organizations understand their options.