Whether negotiating a gift or pledge agreement, establishing and operating a private foundation, addressing a donor-advised fund issue, or designing a long-term lifetime giving and estate planning strategy, our attorneys provide guidance in navigating the many avenues for supporting our clients’ charitable aims and creating a legacy of giving.  Our expertise in tax-efficient charitable planning also maximizes the tax benefits resulting from giving generously.  

YDK's expertise in charitable matters is extensive. Our attorneys have deep experience advising individuals, families, and institutions across every stage of their philanthropic journey, from establishing and structuring charitable organizations to supporting their ongoing governance, compliance, and long-term operations. We work with the full range of charitable vehicles, and bring the same thoughtful, tax-efficient approach to charitable planning that defines our broader estate planning practice.

For families, charitable giving is often as much about legacy as it is about generosity. We help clients think through succession and stewardship of their philanthropic assets across generations, ensuring that the values behind the giving endure long after the initial gift. Our counsel extends to corporate philanthropy and the full spectrum of tax-exempt organizations, and our work regularly crosses borders, supporting clients whose charitable interests span foreign universities, international conservation, and beyond.

Whether it’s advising on contribution strategies for tax-efficient and maximum-impact giving, succession planning, contributions of special assets to donor-advised funds, fund advisor privileges, or practical operations and regulatory compliance, we ensure that our clients’ charitable endeavors are enduring and far-reaching.