Charitable Giving and Estate Planning in Calvert County | Haskell & Dyer
If you’ve built a life in Calvert County, raised a family, grown a business, or inherited something meaningful, you may be thinking about how to give back.
Estate planning isn’t just about passing assets to your children.
It’s also a powerful way to support causes that matter to you.
Over the years, I’ve helped many clients in Calvert County turn their estate plans into lasting legacies through charitable giving.
Whether you want to support your local church, fund scholarships, or protect the Bay, there are smart, tax-efficient ways to make your giving count now and for generations to come.
Let me walk you through your options.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Easy and Flexible
If you want a simple way to donate over time, a donor-advised fund is worth considering.
Think of it as a charitable account: you put money in, get an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend how the money gets distributed to nonprofits whenever you’re ready.
DAFs are low-maintenance and great for people who want flexibility. You don’t need to choose all your charities up front.
You can make grants from your fund over many years.
Private Foundations: Hands-On Giving With Control
If you want your family involved in giving, or your name on a long-term project, a private foundation might be the right fit.
This is a more formal structure where you control how funds are invested and distributed.
Foundations come with legal responsibilities and require annual tax filings, so they’re best suited for larger estates or those who want hands-on control of charitable decisions.
Some of my clients in Calvert County have set up foundations to support local education, religious missions, or land conservation.
It becomes part of their family legacy.
Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): Give Later, Get Income Now
A charitable remainder trust allows you to place assets like real estate or investments into a trust that pays you (or a family member) income for life.
When that term ends, the remaining balance goes to the charity of your choice.
It’s a great option if you want to support a cause and receive income during retirement.
Plus, it can reduce capital gains tax and give you a charitable deduction now.
Simple Bequests: Keep It Straightforward
You can also leave a gift directly in your will or trust.
This is called a bequest, and it can be a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific asset (like a house, stock, or retirement account).
Bequests are easy to add to an estate plan and give your family a clear direction about your charitable wishes.
Make Your Legacy Count
No matter how big or small your estate is, charitable giving can create meaning and impact beyond your lifetime.
It can also teach your children and grandchildren about values, purpose, and giving back to their community.
If you live in Calvert County and are considering philanthropy as part of your estate plan, let’s talk.
I’ll help you find the right tools to support the causes you care about most while protecting your family and reducing taxes.
Your legacy isn’t just what you leave behind. It’s what you pass forward.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
Matthew J. Dyer, Esq.
Estate Attorney | Haskell & Dyer, Upper Marlboro, MD
