Short Sell for CharityShort Sell for Charity

Thomas Boczar, director of marketing, and Mark Fichtenbaum, director of tax, Twenty-First Securit

Despite the weak economy and turbulence of the capital markets during these past several years, charitable giving remains a significant part of many wealthy individuals' financial and estate planning. Since 2000, Americans have donated more than $200 billion a year to charities. Clearly, they believe philanthropy is important.¹

The primary motives for charitable giving always have been humanitarian and moral concerns. Still, there are practical, personal considerations that go into giving. As the total dollar amount of charitable contributions increases, the tax benefits of philanthropy assume increasing importance.

Certain financial instrument...