[October 30, 2014]

Schwab Charitable Approaches $5 Billion in Grants to Charity Since Inception

Schwab Charitable, one of the nation's leading donor-advised fund organizations, announced today that it has made over $4.6 billion in grants on behalf of its donors to more than 86,000 charities since its inception 15 years ago. Thus far this fiscal year, the organization has seen grants increase 55% over the same period last year and expects this robust growth will result in over $1 billion in grants for the full year ending June 30, 2015.

Grant from a Mobile Device

Schwab Charitable also announced new mobile and online features that will further encourage philanthropy this giving season by making tax-smart giving simple and even more accessible. Clients may now recommend grants from their charitable accounts on their iPads, iPhones and Android (News - Alert) devices using the Schwab Mobile App¹. This mobile platform makes it easy to manage charitable giving and request grants to charities from virtually anywhere, including at fundraising events. The new mobile app supplements enhanced web tools that make it much easier to transfer appreciated stock from investment accounts to charitable accounts; track and visualize contribution and grant history; schedule recurring grants to preferred charities; and customize grant acknowledgement letters.

"We can't imagine a better way to celebrate our 15th anniversary than with a strong start to the giving season," said Kim Laughton, president of Schwab Charitable. "Our donors are increasing their level of support at a much greater pace than those who do not use a donor-advised fund. They have the flexibility to recommend grants from virtually anywhere with their mobile devices, and they can more easily donate appreciated assets. Asset appreciation has made it possible for many donors to be even more generous this year than in the past."

Contribute Appreciated Assets

Because many markets have fared well over the last five years, appreciated assets could make particularly tax-advantaged gifts this year. These assets may include publicly-traded securities such as stocks, ETFs, and mutual fund shares, along with less liquid assets such as IPO shares, real estate, restricted stock, seasoned private equity funds and privately-held business interests.

"With the help of their investment advisors, more donors are discovering that appreciated assets are particularly well-suited gifts for charity," added Barbara Benware, Vice President of Investment Oversight. "Schwab Charitable relieves charities of the complexity and cost of accepting these types of assets and makes it easy for donors to grant the cash proceeds to the charities of their choice at their convenience. Our goal is to make it as straightforward as possible for charities to receive tax-smart donations of all types."

About Schwab Charitable

Created as a national donor-advised fund with a mission to increase charitable giving nationwide, Schwab Charitable has received over $10 billion in contributions and has facilitated over $4.6 billion in grants to charities on behalf of its donors since inception. Schwab Charitable serves a wide range of philanthropic investors with account sizes ranging from $5,000 to more than $800 million and has been a pioneer in enabling registered investment advisors to manage the investments of donor-advised accounts. Schwab Charitable also offers a private foundation conversion service for private foundations considering donor-advised funds as complementary or alternative charitable vehicles. For more information, visit schwabcharitable.org.

1. A wireless signal or mobile connection is required.

A donor's ability to claim itemized deductions may be subject to further limitations depending upon the donor's specific tax situation and donors should consult their tax advisors. Schwab Charitable does not provide specific individualized legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified legal or tax advisor where such advice is necessary or appropriate.

Contributions of some non-publicly traded assets are accepted via a charitable intermediary, with proceeds of your donation transferred to your donor-advised account upon liquidation.

Professionally-managed accounts are available only through independent investment advisors working with Schwab Advisor Services^TM, a business segment of The Charles Schwab Corporation that serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading and support services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.. While donors may recommend an advisor, Schwab Charitable must approve the recommendation. Advisors must meet certain eligibility requirements and adhere to Schwab Charitable fee and investment guidelines.

Apple®, the Apple logo, iPhone (News - Alert), and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

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Schwab Charitable is the name used for the combined programs and services of Schwab Charitable Fund, an independent nonprofit organization, which has entered into service agreements with certain affiliates of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

©2014 Schwab Charitable Fund. All Rights Reserved. (1014-7338)

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