Bruce DeBoskey shares thoughts on weak links and strong links in philanthropy.

2016 included record levels of giving and impact investing and more strategic approaches to charitable efforts. 2017 will likely launch its own unique trends.

2016 included record levels of giving and impact investing and more strategic approaches to charitable efforts. 2017 will likely launch its own unique trends.

As this year comes to a close, I want to remind readers — of every political point of view — about the critical role that philanthropy can play in advocating for the fundamental principles that have enabled the success of our unique democracy for nearly 230 years.

Important information about trends in individual and family philanthropy is revealed by two recent studies.

With credit to the authors of the original Donor Bill of Rights, here is my version of what today's philanthropists should seek as they partner with today's nonprofits.

Philanthropy is inherently optimistic, reflecting the deeply held belief that we can have a positive impact on the lives of others as well as on stubborn societal issues. Through philanthropy, individuals can make a difference, promote change, and improve their communities.

As I launch the seventh year of this practice and these columns, I would like to share six key lessons.

With a PRI, a foundation lends to or invests its endowment assets in a nonprofit or for-profit entity in a way that furthers its mission. At the same time, the investment has the potential of providing a positive financial return to the foundation.

When it comes to communicating around money and values, many families face a significant challenge. Family philanthropy can be an important and safe area in which to commence a family conversation about money and values.

Bruce DeBoskey talks about six trends that he's seeing in philanthropy that will help shape the field in the coming year.

When it comes to corporate giving, the news is encouraging. More U.S. companies are engaging in smart and strategic community investment initiatives.

Impact investing allows philanthropists to make more progress toward their charitable missions by using the engine of their philanthropically committed capital, rather than only the fumes. The IRS has just made that easier.

Nonprofit leaders have begun to successfully challenge the belief that high administrative costs reflect a charitable organization that is poorly run and not worthy of support.

When meeting with affluent family clients, advisers frequently invoke the warning: "shirtsleeves-to-shirtsleeves in three generations." Here are some strategies to increase the chances of successful transitions.

Although philanthropy is a deeply personal and highly individualized endeavor, here are the top five broadly applicable lessons I've learned in the last five years.

During Bill Clinton's visit to Denver, Bruce DeBoseky had the opportunity to talk with him about his foundation in particular as well as philanthropy in general.

Some personal relationships last a lifetime. Many of them end, however, and people move on.

Increasingly, charitable donors are interested in "impact investing" with their philanthropically committed capital.

To create a strategic corporate philanthropy program, or make an existing program more strategic, consider these seven steps.

More than $40 trillion will be inherited over the next few decades — the largest transfer of wealth in history. Forty-five percent of spouses who inherit will seek and find a different financial adviser to manage those funds.

Recently, philanthropic and investment leaders have come to recognize that grants and investments can have both financial returns and social impact.

During the holiday season, our mailboxes are overflowing with catalogs, holiday cards — and requests for donations. Here are five steps towards strategic giving and having more impact with your donations.

The upcoming holidays are both the best of times (in terms of social gatherings) and the worst of times (in terms of overconsumption). There are thoughtful alternatives to holiday overconsumption.

New studies demonstrate that corporate social responsibility helps not only the world, but also a company's bottom line.